Types of balance training devices

The balance board is a training device used for a lot of purposes nowadays. It was originally produced for skiers and surfers to offer them some kind of practice off season – but quickly spread to all sport areas, martial arts and non-athletic activities as well.
There are many different balance trainers that will help you reach the desired goal - some use a plate which is positioned on a fulcrum to make the balance board unstable, other use some kind of inflated material to simulate the right effect.
It can be confusing when you want to select the best balance tool for you as there are many types and manufacturers. I would like to give you an overview what equipment is available today. Let`s start right away:
Balance Disc is one of the simplest balance training tools. It`s a simple inflated rubber cushion with low nubs on one side and raised nubs on the other. The main advantage is that it`s really small (you can take it with you wherever you go) and cheap but still provide good training possibilities.
Wobble Board is simply a wooden disk with non-slip surface on top (where you stand) and a plastic hemisphere on the bottom (where it touches the ground). This system enables a wide variety of exercises – from simple moving from side to side without touching the ground with the other sides to push-ups, sit-ups or standing on one leg.
Rocker Board is the most basic type of balance board – a wooden or plastic plate with a fulcrum on the bottom side. It is quite similar to a Wobble Board but the difference is that you can perform tilting only about one axis (not in any direction as Wobble). Even advanced users will benefit from using it but if you are not fully confident with your balance skills, I would highly recommend to start with this board.
Bongo Board is an advanced type of balance training device. The board stands on a cylindrical roller so it offers another degree of instability. This system takes a variety of exercises to an entirely new level – rolling, push-ups etc. Bongo Boards are designed mainly for advanced users but even beginners will experience a lot of fun.
Indo Board is one of the most popular balance trainers. It consists of long wooden board which stands on a large cylindrical roller. There are many types of Indo tools, for example the Pro version.
Bosu Balance Trainer is a fitness training device which looks like a half of a stability ball – and there lies it`s advantage: You can position it in two different ways and get entirely different possibilities for your training. You can use BOSU to perform a wide variety of exercises to strengthen your muscles – push-ups, cardio training, sport-specific moves, abs workout and much more.
I hope I have brought some light into this topic - balance boards are not as complicated as you might think and choosing the right one is not a difficult task.