Staying flexible and developing core strength and balance is key to general fitness, posture, and good walking form. These items can help you develop your flexibility, core strength, and balance.
1. Foam Roller
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This was the first piece of core strengthening equipment my trainer recommended. This high density foam roller is used as an unstable base on which you can perform exercises that make your stabilizing muscles come into play. You can also use it for deep massage pressure to relieve muscle tension - two excellent benefits.
2. Exercise Ball
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Whether you use it as a chair or as a base on which to do exercises and stretches, an exercise ball is an essential piece of core strengthening and balance equipment. It also helps you develop your balance and proprioreception.
3. Yamuna Body Rolling Balls
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Give yourself a deep tissue massage with the Yamuna Body Rolling technique. My massage therapist gave classes in the technique, in which you use the weight of your body against a firm ball to release muscle tension. I take a ball along in my luggage to get a good massage when traveling.
4. BOSU Balance Trainer
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The BOSU balance trainer is a bit more expensive, but I love doing exercises on it at the gym. You can do almost any exercise on the BOSU, such as squats, crunches, dumbbells, and give it that extra edge of also training your balance, proprioreception, and core strength.
5. Fit Disc
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The J-Fit Fit Disc can be used as a seat cushion to give you the same benefits as using an exercise ball as a chair, without some of the drawbacks. It can also be used as the base for core, balance, and stretching exercises. It has one smooth side and one knobbly side to provide massage and more challenges for exercise.
