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. 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
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.3. Pilates Home Studio
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 bar with resistance tubes on either side that mimic movements done on a reformer. There's a workout poster and a DVD to show you the different exercises.4. 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.5. BOSU Balance Trainer
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 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.6. Sissel Ergo Sit
Improving posture is tough, but now you can work on your posture without even thinking about it by using the Sissel Ergo Sit. This air-filled cushion helps improve your posture and balance while helping you keep your abs and back active as you're working. This is a great idea if your job requires you to sit for most of the day.7. Foam Roller
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.8. 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.9. 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.10. Resistance Bands
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.
