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To date, balance board workout videos on TikTok have had over 60 million views. The trend has gained some serious traction, and while we’ll admit we were sceptical about the use of a balance board at first (anyone can post videos without any qualifications or expert guidance, after all), we’re officially on board (see what we did there?). For the uninitiated, a balance board is a small board that you stand on, which rocks back and forth, side to side, or both. Aerobic Step Bench
Much like Pilates rings, weighted hula hoops and mini trampolines, they’re a quick, fun way to activate your core, but their USP is in the name: they improve your balance. Better stability and posture are byproducts, so yeah, there are plenty of reasons to get involved. Here’s everything else you need to know, including our edit of the best balance boards to buy now.
As we’ve already touched upon, the best balance boards help improve your balance by forcing you to stabilise your muscles as you try and stay upright. Natasha Ram, a trainer at F45 Mill Hill, shares the other reasons she loves a balance board:
Granted, the idea of stepping onto a balance board can seem scary – particularly if you’re someone lacking good balance, but once you’ve got over the initial fear, it’s one of those things you’ll get used to pretty quickly. Let Ram talk you through the process:
‘Start with a basic stance, then move on to a front-to-back tilt, and end with a side-to-side motion. When you’re ready to increase the challenge, try adding free weights to your workout, squatting, or standing on one leg. You could even try performing a plank or press up, which is great for strengthening arms, core, and back muscles.’ But remember, no pressure.
Like any exercise equipment, a balance board is only dangerous if it’s not used correctly. Always take things slowly, and avoid them if you have any existing or recurring injuries. Ram says you should be especially cautious if you suffer with ‘weak or injured ankles, or problems with your knees or hips’. If you’re new to exercise or aware of any muscle weaknesses or balance limitations, always consult a certified coach or personal trainer who can advise you on how to use a balance board. Top tip: holding onto a partner or friend’s arm when you first get on might help.
You’ll find the cheapest balance board in our edit further down, but if you’re not a complete newbie and want something a little more challenging and higher quality (you’ll know by now that you want a balance board in your exercise roster in the long-term, while beginners may not yet be convinced) – this one’s a winner.
Choose between the basic and advanced heights of this balance board to reap the rewards. At just 0.76kg, it’s one of the lightest in our edit.
Down from £35 to £22, this balance board ticks all the boxes: it’s got an anti-slip surface, alignment lines, and a medium height to suit all levels.
Urban Fitness’ balance board is designed to improve the fitness of everyone – men, women, children and adults. It’s not as tall as some of the others in our edit, so if you’re new to balance boards, or recovering from an injury, this could be the one for you.
With 360 degree rotation, an anti-slip surface and alignment lines on top to help you position your body correctly, Core Balance’s balance board has been awarded 5 out of 5 stars. We rest our case.
As you can imagine, there are quite a few balance boards on Amazon, but this one is the bestseller. Out of almost 1,000 ratings, it’s been awarded 4.5 stars, and is now Amazon’s Choice. Why? It’s made with high quality wood, weighs only 1.2kg for you to carry it wherever you want to go, but it can support 120kg weight on top. The base itself is a deep rounded shape - not as challenging as a sphere, but difficult enough to help you improve strength, balance, coordination and posture.
Granted, most balance boards come with a grip surface, but this one is made with a bumpy top that doubles up as a massager for your feet.
The mini spikes help to activate trigger points and promote blood circulation in your feet, while the diameter is bigger than most, so that the entirety of both of your feet can make contact with the board.
Anyone who’s thinking of taking their balance board to the gym or outdoors (who doesn’t love an al fresco workout?) will love this balance board. It’s designed with handy handles and isn’t quite as heavy as the others, so you’ll be able to transport it around, no drama.
For less than £12, VIAVITO’s adjustable balance board is the cheapest in our edit, but it still does the trick – and then some. Not only does it come with an anti-slip top and bottom, you can choose between three different bottoms to make it the right height for you.
StrongTek’s wooden balance board is designed like a rocker, with side-to-side motion only. It’s got an anti-slip top and roller on the bottom, and is the ideal height for those wanting a challenge.
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