Understanding Balance Board Design
Choosing The Best Balance Board
Understanding Balance Board Design
Choosing The Best Balance Board
Before buying a balance board, it’s helpful to understand the different uses, strengths and weaknesses of each. Find the right board for your needs with our quick buyers guide!
What are the different types of balance boards?
Stretch Boards
BEST FOR:
Calf & Leg Stretching
DIFFICULTY:
Easy To Use
A stretch board is a piece of exercise equipment that is used to help improve flexibility, and relieve tension in the legs and hips. It is generally made of wood or foam and has a smooth, non-slip surface. These boards are sometimes adjustable, meaning that you can change the tilting angle of the board in a given direction to increase or decrease the intensity of your stretches. The drawback of a stretch board is that occupies valuable floor space in your home, office, or gym while only providing a single purpose. The same angles of stretching can often be achieved by other balance boards in addition to the added benefits of balance improvement or more.
Balance CushionS
BEST FOR:
Kids & Basic Balance
DIFFICULTY:
Easy To Use
A balance cushion or wobble cushion is a small round inflatable discs while balance pads are usually square or rectangular foam pads. Each can be used on their own or combined with other balance equipment. They are often used for rehabilitation to help improve strength and balance. Some options are inflatable and some are made from a block of flexible foam. The purpose is to provide an unstable surface, thus challenging your core muscles to maintain balance. Inflatable cushions can be adjusted by the level of inflation to change the difficulty. Cushions or pads can be an effective balance trainer but they are also very limited. They provide a limited range of motion and challenge. They are also not very entertaining and easily mastered so in our opinion they alone are not a viable option for those who are looking for more than just basic stability.
RoCker Boards
BEST FOR:
Kids & Physical Therapy
DIFFICULTY:
Easy To Use
Rocker boards are generally composed of a flat rectangular or square deck for standing with a slip resistant surface. Underneath the deck is one or two arc shaped features which allow rocking motion. This allows users to perform basic balance exercises by rocking back and forth or side to side. They are easier than most other balance board models due to the limited two dimensional motion. Often used for low impact balance training or stretching, rocker boards do not provide the level of challenge that would be desired for effective sports training. They can achieve almost any tilting angle for stretches but still only move in two directions for a low level of challenge.
Wobble Boards
BEST FOR:
Basic Balance & Fitness
DIFFICULTY:
Moderate
A Wobble balance board is generally a circular board flat surface with a round bottom like a half sphere. They allow users to perform balance exercises by tilting and rotating the board in all directions three dimensionally. Due to the full range of motion but low to the ground design, Wobble boards are a great balance board option for beginners or for low impact rehabilitation. These balance boards can come in many sizes and sometimes have an inflatable ball incorporated into the design. The ball can be inflated or deflated to adjust the difficulty level. Since the wobble balance board is a round balance board it is somewhat limited to single leg balance. As a balance trainer, the wobble board can be effective in helping you gain more stability and usually fits nicely under a standing desk. The drawback of a wobble board is that it easily mastered and limited in its usage. Standing still may get boring over time and the lack of further challenge or movement may not encourage you to continue using it.
Roller Boards
BEST FOR:
Surfing & Advanced Users
DIFFICULTY:
Very Difficult
A roller board is a type of wooden balance fitness equipment that combines a cylindrical shaped roller with a flat deck, the top of the board often has a textured surface or grip tape. This style of board is usually a sturdy construction and one of the original designs that has been used for decades. The back and forth motion of the roller, challenges the user to maintain balance with their lower body. Primarily recommended for experienced users, this style can be more dangerous than other boards. It is used for improving balance, coordination training, and core strength. Often considered to be the most difficult balance board to master, the roller part of the balance board provides an unstable environment on which the user can roll back and forth. BEGINNERS BEWARE, the roller can quickly shoot out from under you leaving you on the ground with a sore hip wondering what just happened. Sometimes rubber bumpers are placed to help prevent the roll out but if you consider your skill level to be lower this may not be the go to. The roller style most closely mimics the feeling of catching a wave and consequently has become very popular for surf training. The grippy surface of the top deck allows users to find traction for attempting more advanced tricks.
BEST FOR:
Desk, Fitness, Sports & Kids
DIFFICULTY:
Adjustable With Stabilizer Ring
The Whirly Board is our creation to bring more fun and more effectiveness to the balance board world. It is a sturdy balance board that consists of a high quality wood skateboard style board atop three independent half spherical balance points. The largest half-ball is located in the center with two smaller half balls on the nose and tail. Each balance point can be used independently and offers a full range of motion. By using all three balance points a user can walk the board around the room or remain in place. What sets it apart from other balance boards? We believe it is the most versatile balance board because of the variety of uses and benefits. It is an effective tool for improving multiple facets of full body control for both the upper body and lower. It helps users with improving balance, core strength, improved posture, coordination training, and agility. It is suitable for people of all ages, and ability levels and can be used for a variety of purposes, including physical therapy, sports training, standing desks, and general fitness. It can even be used to add challenge and movement to push ups or other exercises. The Whirly Board can also provide almost any tilting angle for calf stretches or leg stretches. Mastering the Whirly can be a challenge but as a result it will provide long term enjoyment and benefits. If you are considering a balance trainer to improve any aspect of your health and wellness, but are not willing to face a challenge, then you will not see results, just ask a physical therapist.
What's the best balance board?
When it comes to finding the best balance board, it’s essential to understand that the ideal choice depends on your individual needs, abilities, and goals.
With a wide range of balance boards available, each offering unique features and benefits, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve balance and coordination, an athlete seeking to enhance performance, or an individual aiming to alleviate discomfort while working at a standing desk, the key lies in identifying the functions and qualities that align with your specific requirements.
Consider factors such as the level of difficulty, range of motion, materials used, and the intended use of the balance board. By carefully assessing your needs and goals, you can confidently choose a balance board that suits your preferences and helps you progress on your wellness journey. Remember, the best balance board is the one that empowers you to challenge yourself, achieve your desired outcomes, and enjoy the process of improving your balance and overall well-being.
Easy 5-Point Rating System
We’ve broken down the common balance board types and their typical functions, then assigned a simple 5-point rating system. This is also why we designed the Whirly Board the way we did…maximum use across all age groups and functions.
Poor
Fair
Average
Good
Excellent
Overall Range of Uses
Balance board types rated on the number of different uses they provide.
Stretch Boards
Balance Cushions
Rocker Boards
Wobble Boards
Roller Boards
OVERVIEW: Balance boards come in a range of styles, each with a range of uses and functions.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Think backwards from what you want to train or improve. Certain boards that only do a single function may be great, while others like the Teton Cork Wide Whirly Board that offer a wide range of movements can be better for desk use, fitness and board sport training.
Best Balance Board For Kids
Balance board types rated on the of ease of use & level of fun for kids.
Stretch Boards
Balance Cushions
Rocker Boards
Wobble Boards
Roller Boards
OVERVIEW: Training your balance at a young age can be very helpful later in life. It can also be even more beneficial at a later age. But believe it or not, some balance boards can be very hard or dangerous to use for kids and beginners. Others are actually very limited in function and can end up being quite boring to use for younger age groups. Certain categories like roller boards, for example, can be extremely difficult and could cause injury while trying to master it.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Take ability levels into account. Kids can start off with a simple option like a rocker board, then invest in other more advanced board types later. Or a solid option may be to invest in a single easy-to-use multi-function board like the Plain Cork Whirly Board that will challenge them in many ways and they can grow with it. Having a board with a cork surface makes it easier on bare feet and hands. Adding a mat like the Shred Session Mat can also add safety and traction while protecting your hardwood floor.
Best Balance Board For Adults
Balance board types rated on their ability to blend stretching, fitness, sports and office use.
Stretch Boards
Balance Cushions
Rocker Boards
Wobble Boards
Roller Boards
OVERVIEW: Balance boards can be used in so many ways, with so many benefits. Most adult users want a board with a range of stretching, fitness, balance, and sport functions. Another very popular use is for staying active at a standing desk. While some options are designed for a standing desk others are not ideal.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Try to find a board that offers multiple movements and functions. This avoids the need to have various different boards and also minimizes overall cost. Pairing the Whirly Board Fitness Mat with the Original Speckled Cork board or Teton Cork Wide Board can be a great option.
Best Balance Board For Standing Desks
Balance board types rated on their effectiveness with a standing desk.
Stretch Boards
Balance Cushions
Rocker Boards
Wobble Boards
Roller Boards
OVERVIEW: Standing while working, in place of staying seated all day, can have positive effects on your health and fitness. There are many options to improve your standing desk experience. Stretch, cushion, rocker style options can have small benefits while boards meant to be used during the entire workday can offer these benefits and more have a greater impact.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Picking a board that actually engages your core without creating a distraction to your workflow is best. The form and stability of the Teton Cork Wide Whirly Board, Standing Desk Mat, and Stabilizer Ring can be a perfect solution.
Best Balance Board For Seniors
Balance board types rated on their easy of use and effectiveness for seniors.
Stretch Boards
Balance Cushions
Rocker Boards
Wobble Boards
Roller Boards
OVERVIEW: Using a balance board to improve flexibility and overall agility is incredibly important for all of us as we age. Both Men’s and women’s health can be affected by balance. Regular balance work can help reduce the risk of falls or injury.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Selecting a board with a simpler design and an easier learning curve can minimize the chance of injury and offer great results. Pairing a Wide Whirly Board with our square Shred Session Mat and Stabilizer Ring is an excellent option for any balance routine.
Best Balance Board For Surfing
Balance board types rated on their effectiveness for surfing cross training.
Stretch Boards
Balance Cushions
Rocker Boards
Wobble Boards
Roller Boards
OVERVIEW: Dry land training for your surfing balance and technique can greatly improve your overall skill and abilities.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: We believe roller boards are the best of surfing specific movements based on the plane of motion those boards offer. If you are directly trying to improve your 180 / 360 spinning technique, however, it is often best to chose a spinning specific board like the Teton Cork Whirly Board. Adding a Whirly Board Fitness Mat can also make other simultaneous workouts like ground stretching and yoga more comfortable.
Best Balance Board For Skateboarding
Balance board types rated on their effectiveness for skateboard movements.
Stretch Boards
Balance Cushions
Rocker Boards
Wobble Boards
Roller Boards
OVERVIEW: Adding a balance board to your skateboard practice and training can go a long way, largely because you can isolate and focus on very specific movements.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: You’ll need a board that has both the shape and pivoting design that matches skateboarding. For this reason, the Whirly Board with skateboard grip tape is the #1 best balance board for skateboarding available on the market. For use inside, pair it with the Shred Session Mat for ultimate traction and floor protection.
Best Balance Board For Snowboarding
Balance board types rated on their effectiveness for snowboarding movements.
Stretch Boards
Balance Cushions
Rocker Boards
Wobble Boards
Roller Boards
OVERVIEW: Incorporating balance training into your snowboarding practice can significantly enhance your skills on the slopes. It helps improve your overall balance, stability, and control, which are crucial for navigating varied terrain and executing tricks with precision.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: When it comes to the best balance board for snowboarding, we highly recommend the Whirly Board. With its versatile range of spinning and balance movements, the Whirly Board offers an excellent platform to simulate the dynamic motions and challenges you encounter while snowboarding. Its pivoting design allows you to practice rotational movements and simulate the feeling of carving turns. Both the Original Whirly Board with skateboard grip tape or Wide Teton Cork Whirly Board provide the necessary traction to mimic the feel of riding on a snowboard. For added comfort and stability during your training sessions, consider pairing the Whirly Board with the Shred Session Mat, which offers superior traction and protects your floor.
Best Balance Board For Runners
Balance board types rated on their effectiveness for running cross training programs.
Stretch Boards
Balance Cushions
Rocker Boards
Wobble Boards
Roller Boards
OVERVIEW: Any short or long distance running routine requires a range of flexibility and conditioning exercises to improve performance and avoid injury.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Any board that can help with calf and leg stretching can have lasting results on injury prevention. We also highly recommend more dynamic boards like roller boards or the Plain Cork Whirly Board to use during cross training exercises. You can improve muscle imbalances, tone your core, work on hip stability, and so much more. for example, pairing a Whirly Board with a Fitness Mat, Stabilizer Ring, stretch bands and a medicine ball can serve as an entire balance and conditioning kit for your running training.
One Board For Any Lifestyle
We support the use of ANY well made balance training product. We believe that balance training in general can make a huge impact on your health, wellness, and sport performance! However, you will find that the design of the balance board has a huge impact on the quality and end results of your training.