The 7 Best Balance Boards

By Emily Aldridge | 2021 Update

This Updated Guide Covers Everything You Need to Know About Balance Boards.

I love how ancient words of wisdom always revolve around ‘balance’.

Balance may very well be the most important achievement for any individual…and it doesn’t just apply to the spiritual context. It applies to our minds and our body as well.

Balance is control. Once you learn to maintain an equilibrium regardless of your surroundings, you can do wonders with your body. That is how skaters and surfers manage to perform those unbelievable maneuvers. That is also how gymnasts manage to land back on their feet even when it seems impossible.

Of course, we are all born with the ability to balance our bodies to an extent. We can move around, twist and turn without falling. With proper balance exercises, however, and training, we can do much more. We can have that pro-athlete level control over our movements.

And while you might be thinking of complicated yoga asanas for balance training, I’d rather you get a balance board. It is easier, yet at the same time, challenging.

Well, if that’ not perfect definition of balance, I don’t know what is.

So, today we will be talking about balance boards. All kinds. The best kinds.

Whether you need one for your hockey training, volleyball training or for simply for better posture and improved mobility, this list can be extremely helpful.

So, let’s get started with my 5 best balance boards.

Best Balance Boards – My Top Picks

Top ProductsBest Features
1. Indo Board Original Balance BoardSport-grade board, made from premium birch wood, non-slip surface 
2. Revolution 101 Balance BoardHeavy-duty balance board, removable roller stops make it a versatile board good for kids and adults, anti-slip Durasoft grip for maximum control
3. Driftsun Wooden Balance BoardMade of premium hardwood, textured surface top to ensure better grip, comes with a sturdy roller with textured grip bands
4. URBNFit Balance BoardMade from the finest poplar and pine wood, surface top covered with non-slip emery grip tape for maximum grip
5. ProFitness Wooden Balance Board Round wobble board with sturdy wooden construction, surface covered with anti-slip pads to ensure safer usage, good for kids as young as 4 years old

1.

Indo Board Original Balance Board

  • Sport-grade board made from premium birch wood
  • Non-slip surface suitable for shoes and bare feet
  • 30″ X 18″ board comes with 6.5″ molded plastic roller
  • Comes in 14 fun and fantastic prints
  • Free Instructional DVD with 2 hours of content

Popular since 1998, INDO BOARD claims to be the first ever balance board. Not sure about that but it is definitely one of the best out there. While it comes in 14 distinct deck design, the original ‘Bamboo Beach’ one was created by Drew Brophy. But it isn’t just the looks; it gets full points for performance as well. No wonder, it has an almost flawless rating on Amazon and you will find a number of pro surfers and skateboarders swearing by it.


2.

Revolution 101 Balance Board

  • Heavy duty 30” x 11.5” balance board good for up to 400 lbs
  • Removable roller stops make it a versatile board good for kids and adults  
  • Comfortable, anti-slip DURASOFT grip for maximum control
  • Comes in too different colors: Blue and Green
  • Designed and handcrafted in the USA

This one is a frequent member of my lists – because, it is actually quite versatile. Whether you need balance board for hockey or something to get started on, you won’t be disappointed with revolution. It is a solid built board that is equally great for indoor and outdoor workouts. The best part is that it’s a handcrafted in the USA, which we all know is enough to know that the overall quality must be above par.


3.

Driftsun Wooden Balance Board

  • 29.5” x 16” balance board made of premium hardwood
  • Textured surface top to ensure better grip
  • Comes with a sturdy 6” roller with textured grip bands
  • A versatile product for pro athletes and kids in training

This one is another aesthetically pleasing balance board that works as good as it looks. Why it is in our top three is mainly because of its sturdiness and size. The board is wider than most boards out there; so it actually works better for someone with large feet or larger body on the whole. Whether you need it for your regular workout or for sport training, you won’t be disappointed with this purchase.


4.

URBNFit Balance Board

  • 29″×11″ balance board made from the finest poplar and pine wood
  • Surface top covered with non-slip emery grip tape for maximum grip
  • One of the sturdiest option out there; good for up to 800 lbs
  • Fabric coated roller works on all kinds of indoor and outdoor surfaces
  • Comes with a helpful workout guide featuring numerous fun exercises

URBNFit is another favorite of mine that I can easily recommend to anyone, pros and rookies alike. Made from a combo of poplar and pine wood, this is a board that can last you a lifetime. Not to mention, it can easily endure up to 800 lbs. The roller and board work great together and won’t slip no matter where you are using it. Another perk of buying this one is the free workout guide you get.


5.

ProFitness Wooden Balance Board

  • 15.5” x 3.1” round wobble board with sturdy wooden construction
  • Weighs just 3.1 lbs but is good for up to 330 lbs
  • Surface covered with anti-slip pads to ensure safer usage  
  • Good for kids as young as 4 years old
  • Backed by a 30-day money back guarantee

Best balance boards come in all shapes and sizes. This round one is just as good as any of the contenders above. It is versatile enough to be used by all the members of the family. Whether it’s your kid aspiring to be a surfer or an elderly on post-operation recovery, this balance board is a perfect choice. Not to mention, it is backed by a 30-day money back guarantee. So, there is no way you can go wrong with this decision.  I love the fact that it is extremely lightweight and I can carry it to work or gym without much trouble.


6.

NALANDA EXERCISE BALANCE BOARD SYSTEM   

  • Sturdy 12.2 x 33 board made of premium plywood
  • Comes with a rubber roller that can dampen vibrations
  • Adjustable stoppers add versatility with 4 difficulty levels
  • High quality board can support up 300 lbs
  • Comes with 12 Months Warranty

With adjustable stoppers that let you choose from four different distances, this is a board universally adored for its versatility. It is just as good for beginners and it is for athletes. Plus, it gets bonus points for its rubber roller with vibration dampening capabilities. It is a worth appreciating fact that NALANDA really stands behind their product; each board comes with a yearlong warranty and lifelong customer support.


7.

EveryMile Wobble Balance Board

  • 15.7″ wobble balance board made from non-abrasive ABS plastic
  • 3.94″ height with 15° tilt allowing for a full range of movement
  • Great option for advanced users such as pro athletes and dancers
  • Lightweight product that can be easily carried around
  • Comes in three colors: Red, Yellow, and Grey

EveryMile Balance Board has become a household name for many aspiring athletes out there. While many hail it as there first wobble board ever, many still use it after years of training because it is extremely diverse. You can use it in different ways to take the challenge up a notch. A little shy of 4” high, this board is not that easy to master. And that is what makes it so good. However, once you’ve learned to stand on it properly, you can easily carry it around to work.


8.

THERABAND Wobble Board Stability and Balance Trainer

  • Round wobble board with 16″ diameter surface and 22° angle of deflection
  • Made from lightweight yet sturdy molded plastic
  • Specially designed tactile surface to ensure safest slip-free experience
  • 360 degrees movement for a diverse range of exercises and workout
  • Single-piece lightweight design allows for portability

This single piece balance board is as sturdy as they come. With no assembly required, you can easily carry this 3 lbs board anywhere you want. Take it to your office and back. It is even good for outdoor surfaces. What I like about it is the ease and freedom of movement I can enjoy on this board. They have done a good job of keeping base non-slip and stable. This one is highly recommended for people recovering from an injury.


9.

YES4ALL Wobble Balance Board

  • High quality wobble board made of premium wood
  • 15.75 inch diameter board with 22° angle of deflection
  • Surface covered with anti-skid sandpaper pad
  • Can easily support up to 300 lbs
  • Comes with a 1 year warranty

YES4ALL has quite a reputation in the wobble and balance board world. They have consistently managed to deliver quality products at affordable rates. That is why many people start with this sturdy wooden wobble board and continue to train when they have mastered the art of balance. Unlike rectangular boards, this one gives you a larger range of motion. Plus, the diameter is big enough and the board can endure quite a lot of weight.


10.

Fitterfirst Bongo Board Balance Stability Trainer

  • 30.5” x 8” balance board made of maple plywood
  • Designed to challenge pro athletes and fitness freaks
  • Plastic stoppers to prevent floor scratching
  • Come with a dual bearing urethane roller with a bungee

Bongo board is a different breed of balance boards altogether. Its unique bumpers make it easier for learners to use the board without risking a fall or injury. However, it is not a board just for beginners. It can present a good level of challenge for advanced users as well. There is a bungee that loosely holds the roller to keep it from slipping out from under the board. While it is a diverse board that can be used in many ways and for different kinds of workouts, it is particularly great for skateboarders.

7 Balance Board Exercises – Full Body Workout

Related:


Buyer’s Guide

Balance boards are a versatile piece of equipment. From skaters and skiers to gymnasts and hockey players, different people use these boards to achieve more control over their bodies and improve their proprioception.

That’s not all. Balance boards can be truly beneficial for people facing mobility issues. That can include the elderly as well as people recovering from an injury.

While this versatility is a good thing, it comes with a bit of challenge for buyers. How can you tell you are buying the best balance board for your needs, and more importantly, your skills?

Well, this is what I intend to answer with this brief guide here. Hope you will find all the information you need to make the right decision

Who Needs a Balance Board?

Not so long ago, it was generally believed that balance boards are too risky for anyone who doesn’t have prior balance training. That is why it was mostly used by skateboarders, skiers, and surfers. Later on, more and more athletes realized its importance in functional muscle training and it became an important element of athletic workout for various sports such as hockey.

Now that we have a variety of balance boards designed to enhance safety while training, there is an increase in usage of these boards in therapy and rehabilitation. There are safer balance boards that can easily be used by beginners, seniors struggling with mobility, and people recovering from muscle or joint injury.

That’s not all!

The benefits of balance boards have also been realized by people stuck in standing (and even sedentary) jobs. Many people now take these boards to work to keep their muscles engaged while they are busy working. Not to mention balance boards can help better physical and cognitive development in kids.

Now that we know who can use it, the question that arises here is why they should use it. What are the benefits of balance boards?

 Let’s see if I can effectively summarize it for you.

Benefits of Balance Boards

Balance boards are essentially a full body workout equipment. Unlike your regular planks or crunches, these boards don’t just strengthen your muscles, they can improve your muscle functionality. In a way, they have more practical benefits to offer and that is why they are becoming athletes’ favorite.  

Here are some of the key benefits you can expect from your balance board workouts:

Safety

According to WHO, falls are the second leading cause of fatal injuries. Most of these falls occur when people lose their balance; hence, they are more common among older adults. Balance board workouts can help you maintain your balance.

Core Strength

The center gravity of our body is right there at the core. No wonder balance and stabilizing exercises can put your core to work. It is easier yet more effective way of building core strength as compared to crunches and other ab workouts.

Agility

Balance board exercises can help you improve the coordination between individual muscles and different sets of muscles. Your motor skills and reaction time will improve. This ability will enhance your athletic performance, as most sports demand a quick shift of movement and stance.

Posture

Any workout that can engage your core and back is beneficial for your posture. Simply standing on a balance board requires you to keep your spine straight. It is just the way you are supposed to keep it at all times. So, if you are taking your balance board to work, you will see a significant improvement in posture.

Proprioception

Proprioception is basically the neurological connection between your mind and body to establish better awareness of your body with respect to its surroundings. It is how a hockey player is able to strike the puck while dodging the opponent at the same time. Balance board training enhances this connection and gives you more control over your body.

To sum it up, ill retract my statement: Balance boards aren’t full body workout equipment; they are full mind and body workout equipment.

Types of Balance Boards

While it is a good thing that we are seeing a lot of balance boards being introduced lately, the wide array of choices can be confusing for most buyers. Things get more confusing because all the different types of balance boards in the market.

Let’s take a look at the options that are most commonly available.

Rocker boards

Rocker boards are usually single piece boards that do not require any assembly. The fulcrum is fixed and the board can only move back and forth or side by side. It is great board to bring to work.

Roller boards

Roller boards have a separate cylindrical roller and a board. The board may have stoppers that allow you to adjust the difficulty level according to your skills. Most roller boards can move in four directions.

Sphere boards

Sphere boards have a ball rather than a cylinder. Usually, there is a ring under the board to keep the ball from rolling away.There are more challenging and therefore, less safe for beginners.

Wobble boards

Wobble boards also have a fixed fulcrum but it is mostly in the shape of a dome. The board literally wobbles unless you balance it perfectly. These boards are usually round and allow for different movements.

Spring boards

Spring boards have springs mounted under the base. They too wobble like wobble boards. Their performance depends largely on the type of spring. Most springboards aren’t too versatile.

What to Look for in a Balance Board?

Now that you know there are different types of boards in the market, let’s talk about the factors that can make one more useful for you than another.

Skill Level

Are you rookie or a pro? Different boards have different level of challenge. Find a one that is perfect for you. For beginners, you should choose one that isn’t too high and doesn’t offer an extensive range of movement. A rocker board is usually a good option while a roller board is much suited to pros. A wobble board is more of an intermediate option.

However, the way you use your board makes a bigger difference. Try to incorporate different workouts and  you can take the same board from beginner to pro level.

Size

Size is an important feature. You need to consider the size of the board and in case of a roller board, size of the roller as well. Wider boards are easier to balance as compared to narrow boards. Same goes for larger diameters. As for rollers, since they can add height, larger diameter rollers can add to the challenge. That brings us to the next point.

Height

The higher the board, the difficult it is to balance. Most boards have less than 3 inches of different between the platform and the floor. Anything higher will be more challenging. However, the area of contact between the board and fulcrum and the fulcrum and floor can change this equation. The larger the area of contact, the lower the level of difficulty.

Material

No matter which type of balance board you choose, they all come in different material. The most common materials used are wood and plastic. Wooden, if made from quality hardwood, are sturdier and durable. they can support more weight. Plastic ones, on the other hand, are lightweight and easy to carry around. They are also less expensive.

Coating

Surface coating is also an important consideration because it ensures comfort as well as safety. All the best balance boards have anti-slip coating on the surface. Many have their own proprietary fabric or foam. This coating also makes the board easier to use without shoes.  

Stoppers

This is a feature advanced users don’t really care for, but beginners and intermediate users can use it to their advantage. Boards that come with adjustable stoppers let you control the movement and tilt as per your comfort and skill level.


Balance Boards FAQs

Do balance boards actually work?

Whether you are using a balance board to build your core strength, improve your posture or to hone your athletic performance, balance boards can work wonders. Used by pro athletes and sports trainers, these boards can help you have more control over your own body.

Are balance boards good for core strength?

Your core muscles play the most important role in helping you maintain your balance. These are the muscles around the center of gravity of our bodies. When you try to stand on a balance board, these are muscles that are most engaged. That is why balance boards can really help you build core strength.

Are balance boards good for knees and joints?

Yes, balance board exercises are good for knees and joints for many reasons. Firstly, when working out on a balance board, you naturally engage muscles instead of joints. Plus, your muscles are trained for a larger range of motion and become more flexible, which in turn prevents sprain as well.

Which muscles do balance boards target?

It depends largely on which exercises you do on your board. Simply standing on a balance board itself is a full body workout but it mostly engages your core, back, and glutes

Are balance boards safe to use?

Balance boards are generally safe to use, but if you are just starting without prior balance training of any sort, it is best to use it under the supervision of a professional trainer.

Should I choose a roller board or a wobble board?

Honestly, it doesn’t make too much of a difference. It depends on how good your wobbe board or roller board is. Many people prefer round wobble boards because it gives a bigger range of movement in every direction while others find roller boards easier to incorporate in different workout routines.

Can balance boards help me lose weight?

Yes, balance board training isn’t as easy as it seems. There are a lot of muscles working their way to keep your body in equilibrium. This means you are burning plenty of calories while you are on the board.

Are balance boards good for seniors?

There are several studies that confirm the benefits of balance boards for elderly, especially the ones struggling with mobility and stability issues. However, you need to be careful with your choice of board. Those meant for pro athletes may not be the safest choice for elderly.

Are balance boards useful for athletes?

Yes, balance boards can help athletes improve their athletic performance in more than one ways. While balance workouts can really strengthen your muscles, they can improve cognition and proprioception.

Should I use balance board bare feet or with shoes?

It largely depends on what you find more comfortable. Most good balance boards, which includes all of the ones I’ve picked, are designed to ensure comfort and grip whether you are wearing any shoes or not.


Conclusion

Balance boards are simple yet highly effective workout equipment. While most of them are versatile enough to benefit advanced users just as much as beginners, there are a few factors that make one board better than another. Still, it largely depends on why you are using the board and how you are using it. The best thing about most of the best balance board I’ve listed here is that they come with a guide to help you use your board to achieve your training goals.