Your core muscles support postural alignment, while enhancing dynamic and static balance and stability. Core training became a trend in the 1990s, but unlike other exercise concepts, it was not a fad, but an evolved philosophy of fitness. As the core training movement gained momentum, manufacturers developed specially designed core training equipment.
Stability Ball
The stability ball, one of the most affordable and versatile products, introduced many fitness enthusiasts to core training. Weight lifters, pilates practitioners and yoga enthusiasts discovered that the ball added a balance training element to their favorite fitness activities. The ball, usually priced under $30, is affordable and portable. Deflate it for travel, and use the small hand pump for inflation. Exercise balls come with but one caveat: Standing on the balls to perform squats is dangerous for nonathletes.
Bosu
Fitness trainer David Weck realized the benefits of the stability ball. He created the bosu to address its limitations. The word "bosu" stands for "both sides up" or "both sides utilized." The bosu has a platform and a dome side. The rubber dome is similar to a stability ball. The flat platform facilitates standing exercises such as squats and lunges. Elite athletes such as freestyle skier Shannon Bahrke and bike racer Lance Armstrong incorporate the bosu into their training programs. The bosu is effective and versatile, but with prices averaging over $100, it is also expensive.
Foam Rollers
The cylindrically shaped foam rollers have two functions. They support a flexibility and massage method called "self myo-fascial release," and enhance balance training. Self myo-fascial release involves positioning your body on the roller, and allowing your body weight to sink into it to release muscle tension. It has an indirect effect on core training. Relaxing over active muscle groups such as the hip flexors and quadriceps makes it easier to focus on the core muscles. The foam roller facilitates core-training exercises in the prone, supine and standing positions. Priced under $30, it is an affordable core-training product, but its shape and structure makes it less versatile than other types of core-training equipment.
Reebok Core Board
The Reebok Core Board, like most balance boards, tilts front to back and side to side, but its rotational capacity is its distinguishing feature. The core board has recoil function, which responds to the force of your swiveling movements and adds oblique muscle training to any core workout. Core boards are also adjustable. Beginners can make the platform more stable, while advanced users can adjust the knob to make the board more wobbly. The board facilitates your exercise in the supine, prone and standing positions, but its $200 price tag may discourage some buyers. Their 30-pound weight might make them too heavy for some users.
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