Health

Top Core Strength & Stability Gear

By Paige Waehner, About.com Guide

Updated November 23, 2010

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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

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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. You can use it during your workouts or sit on it while you watch TV or work on the computer for better posture. Make sure you choose the right size for your height.

2. BOSU Ballast Ball

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The BOSU Ballast Ball adds a dynamic element to core workouts with the added weight of the ballast inside as well as the stability. The ballast keeps the ball from rolling but it also shifts and moves as you roll, toss and lift the ball during different exercises. With the BOSU Ballast Ball, you can do a variety of exercises that will challenge your core, balance and stability.

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3. Pilates Home Exercise Kits

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Pilates is the perfect activity to improve strength, endurance, flexibility and core strength. Your best bet is to start with a class to get detailed instructions for the exercises or visit our Pilates Site for more great info. Your next best bet is to try the exercises at home. This home studio kit includes a 45-minute workout DVD and a set of 2-lb weights to get a mix of both Pilates and light resistance training.

4. Medicine Balls

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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 do a variety of exercises while building stamina, coordination and strength. Bounce it, throw it, or bonk your spouse on the head, the options are limitless.

5. BOSU Balance Trainer

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The BOSU Balance Trainer is one of my favorite tools for working the core and stabilizer muscles. It's like a ball, but with a flat platform side so you can use it with the dome side up or down. I also like the BOSU BT because it's versatile - you can use it for a variety of exercises including cardio, strength, core work, balance, flexibility...the list goes on. This is a great choice for your home gym.

6. Foam Roller

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The foam roller may seem like an odd piece of exercise equipment but, believe it or not, you can improve balance, flexibility and strength with one. 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 crunches, or hold onto it for a challenge during pushups. You can even use it to massage tight muscles.

7. Wobble Board

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A wobble board is a great way to work on core strength and, of course, balance. The idea is to stand on the board and use all the muscles in your lower body and core to keep from falling off. If you're advanced, you can even try basic exercises, like squats or twists while standing on the board.

8. Resistance Bands

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Resistance Bands are great for the core and stabilizer muscles because they create tension throughout every part of your exercises. You recruit more muscle fibers to keep good form and to keep the band moving on a smooth path. Bands are inexpensive and they travel well, making them a great choice for a variety of purposes.