CoreBalance Balance Trainer with Resistance Bands

£47.99

Balance and core strength are something that I’ve been really working on the older I get. Not only does it help make gym sessions a little easier, but I find building up my core provides so many benefits for my movement in everyday life. Therefore, when the Balance Trainer with Resistance Bands was delivered, I was super excited, as not only will I be able to strengthen these areas of the body, but it can be used across so many exercises as a multi-functional piece of equipment.

The Balance Trainer comes deflated and attached to the 60cm diameter platform, however in the box is a hand pump so you can easily inflate your dome to your desired firmness ready for a whole range of activities. Also included in the box are two durable resistance bands which attach to the platform sides using strong metal carabiners. I personally loved the colour of the Balance Trainer with a teal dome and black platform. The dome features anti-slip rings, whilst the platform has a unique textured design. These features ensure that no matter which way you place the platform, it will not move out from under you so you remain safe throughout every exercise.

There are two main ways to use the Balance Trainer, the first being with the platform face down on the floor. With the platform to the floor, you can stand, sit or lean on the dome whilst doing your exercises. The dome being inflated means that it moves a little when pressed on, and so when balancing on it you need to use your core to remain balanced. Then, once you’ve perfected your balance, you can then integrate the resistance bands and do things such as lateral raises or bicep curls. This ensures that you are working not only your arms but your core in the process to make each exercise just that little bit more complex and challenging for your body.

You can also use the Balance trainer with the dome up to support planks, lunges and even seated rows using the resistance bands. I loved how versatile it was to complete a wide range of movements, and I think a key part of this is the resistance bands, as they allow you to add in more upper-body strength training whilst also working on your core. The resistance bands feel super sturdy with a comfortable ergonomic handle and nice textured grip for more secure movements.

However, should you really want to put your core strength and balance to the test, you can flip the Balance Trainer over so that the dome is to the floor. With the dome underneath, you can then step onto the platform and attempt to balance. I found this was much more difficult as the flat platform made the dome underneath a lot wobblier, so I really had to engage my core to stay standing. I did worry that using it this way I could risk it slipping out from under me, however, the dome's anti-slip rings meant that it stayed perfectly in place – even if I struggled! Plus, you can inflate and deflate the dome to your preference, so the less air - the more wobble on the board. This means that you can adjust and deflate/inflate the dome as you wish to make each workout just that little bit more difficult.

Overall, the CoreBalance Balance Trainer with Resistance Bands is an excellent bit of workout equipment. It's great for working on your balance and core strength, whilst remaining functional for a whole range of movements. The price is super affordable for all that it delivers for under £50, and I loved using it at the end of my workouts to build core strength over time. If you are looking for a multi-functional bit of gym equipment the Balance Trainer with Resistance Bands is a great all-round choice.

Pros:

• Multi-use piece of equipment for a range of exercises
• Strong and secure resistance bands for strength training and muscle development
• Custom inflatable dome as it comes with a hand pump so you can adjust the dome to your workout needs