Best Home Workout Equipment For Your Core

Although countless core-training gadgets saturate the home workout equipment market, the word "core" is an overused buzzword. The phrase "core exercise" entices consumers with visions of six-pack abs and unlimited sex appeal, but it actually refers to workouts that engage the deeper abdominal muscles. Research published in the August 2007 edition of the "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research" supports the theory that unstable surface training, such as stability ball, bosu and balance board exercises, activates the core musculature. These products are usually less expensive than the complex gadgets featured in television infomercials.

Stability Balls

Stability balls are affordable, efficient and versatile core exercise devices. Use them for crunches, oblique curls, leg and upper-body exercises. Since the ball imposes a balance challenge, you need to activate your deep core muscles, even when you are not working your abdominal muscles. Begin each movement by drawing your belly button toward your spine.

Bosu

Standing on a stability ball is only advisable for elite athletes with superhuman balance skills. It's a dangerous exercise for anyone else. The bosu, composed of a ball-shaped dome and a stable platform, is a viable compromise. Use both sides of the bosu for standing, seated, prone and supine (lying face-up) exercises for every muscle in your body.

Balance Disks

Rubber balance disks are an affordable alternative to the bosu. They are smaller, easy to inflate and easily stored. Purchase two and use them for ski-specific standing core exercises. Place one disk under your hips while performing abdominal crunches. Put a disk on your desk chair and sit on it for an hour a day. It requires you to engage your core to maintain your postural alignment.

Foam Rollers

If you are in need of a personal trainer and a massage therapist but can't afford either, consider a foam roller. Core muscles become lazy when the larger, stronger, superficial muscle groups, such as the back, quadriceps and hip flexors, are overworked. Tensing your muscles to maintain balance is a bracing, not a core exercise. Begin your core workout with a technique called myofascial self release. This involves lying on the roller and allowing your tighter muscle groups, such as your quadriceps, to sink into its surface. Hold the position until the tension subsides. Then use the roller for standing, supine, seated, prone and side-lying exercises. The cylindrical shape of the roller provides feedback and cheat-proofs these exercises. If your core disengages, you won't be able to maintain your balance.