Fitness fads come and go, but one trend that's here to stay is core strength and stability. Improving core strength means strong abs, better posture and long, lean muscles. Working on balance and torso strength allows you to incorporate all your muscles for a dynamic workout. Below are the best gadgets and equipment for strengthing your abs, back, stability and balance.
1. Exercise Ball
An exercise ball is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can own. You can work every part of your body while improving strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. This durable ball has a non-slip surface and comes in a variety of sizes.
2. Pilates Home Studio
Pilates is something like a cross between yoga, stretching and calisthenics and helps improve strength, endurance, flexibility and core strength. To get started, try this Stamina Pilates Home Studio kit which includes the Magic Circle (including 8-10 exercises), a small barrel, a video that guides you through basic Pilates moves and an exercise mat. This is a great starter kit at a reasonable price.3. Medicine Balls
You may equate medicine balls with trauma-inducing P.E. classes from years ago, but they're a lot more fun now. Medicine balls are back and, best of all, they add an element of fun to your usual workout. These medicine balls range from 2-8 pounds and you can use them to build stamina, coordination and strength. Bounce it, throw it, or bonk your spouse on the head, the options are limitless.4. BOSU Balance Trainer
The BOSU Balance Trainer is one of my favorite new tools. It's like a ball, but with a flat platform side so you can use it with the dome sit up or platform side up. It's a little pricey, but what's great is it's versatility - you can use it for cardio, strength, core work, balance, flexibility...the list goes on. This is a great choice for your home gym.5. Sissel SitFit
Improving posture is tough, but now you can work on your posture without even thinking about it by using the Sissel SitFit. The SitFit is like a flattened exercise ball that you sit on, thus encouraging proper posture and reducing stress on your spine. You'll also work on back and ab strength, all while doing what you normally do--sit at a computer. Can't beat that with a stick!6. Foam Roller
This may seem like an odd piece of exercise equipment but, believe it or not, you can improve balance, flexibility and strength with one of these guys. Often used for rehabbing injuries, the foam roller can be incorporated into a regular strength training routine. Try lying on it while doing chest presses or other activites and you'll really test your balance and stability!7. Sissel BalanceFit
This little inflatable disc is another great tool for enhancing balance and stability. You can stand on it while doing squats or lunges, sit on it while doing crunches or place one hand on it while doing pushups.8. Reebok Core Board
The Reebok Core Board is sort of like the Wobble Board using 3-dimensional movement for a total-body workout. There are three different levels of resistance so that beginners up to advanced exercisers can get the type of resistance they need. To figure out how to use your Reebok Core Board, check out the video below.9. Reebok Power Zen Training Video
Figuring out what you can with a balance board can be confusing. Reebok now has a yoga-type workout that offers strength training and flexibility exercises while incorporating the Core Board. This video is great for someone who wants to improve their balance, strength and flexibility and also for someone totally bored with their usual routine. Truly a unique workout!10. Resistance Band Kit
This kit comes with a couple of different resistance tubes for both upper and lower body strengthening. Bands offer a different kind of resistance with some built-in balance training. You really have to engage your stability muscles to keep good form. Plus, bands are cheap and travel well, so this is a great choice for busy travelers.