Balance Exercise Equipment

Balance exercise equipment is one of the most effective and easiest tools for tightening the body and burning fat. Many different types are widely available at sporting goods and fitness stores. Anyone who does not want to invest in the equipment can also try creating their own, as the main focus of the equipment is working the body with simple objects to strengthen and align.

Function

Balance exercise equipment is so named because its main purpose is to increase a person's balance. It does this by focusing on strengthening the core muscles, which run through the center of the body. Depending on the type of equipment and exercise being performed, other muscle groups are fine tuned. Steppers, for instance, will work the thighs, butt and other leg muscles as they work the core.

Types

A variety of balance exercise equipment is on the market. Some of the most popular types include the balance ball, balance trainers, balance disks, balance boards and steppers. Other types include variations of these, such as a combination stepper and balance board. All types of balance exercise equipment are merely supplements to the heavy duty work that is being done by the body.

Features

The balance ball is a large, inflatable ball used for abdominal and other exercises. Balance trainers are rounded, inflatable platforms with a flat bottom on which folks can step or perform sitting exercises. Balance disks are similar to the trainers, but are often made of hard plastic, are not inflatable and feature a rounded bottom with a flat top. Steppers feature two pedal-like steps and often electronic displays that will keep track of time, distance and calories burned. Balance exercise equipment is generally inexpensive but also prone to breaking from rough usage.

Considerations

Skateboards are a major, and mobile, piece of balance exercise equipment. For folks who would rather not zoom down the driveway, balance or wobble boards will also do the trick. These boards have decks, or top platforms, that appear similar to skateboards. The balance board will have two unstable feet holding up the board and a wobble board features a single pedestal. People using the equipment stand on the board and try to keep it balanced as it is tilted, swayed and otherwise maneuvered to work the core and other muscles.

Size

Since balance exercise equipment heavily relies on the use of the body, much of the equipment is fairly small. One need not have a full-sized gym to house most of the devices. Balance balls can be inflated up to three feet wide, but they can also be deflated to fit in a small box or cubby hole. The balance trainers, too, can be deflated for easy storage, or simply stuck under a couch or bed. Balance disks, boards and steppers are also easy to stick in a corner or underneath furniture when not in use.

Resources

• Selection of balance exercise equipment