Training with a balance cushion offers a wide range of benefits for people of all ages and fitness levels, extending far beyond just running. Here’s how incorporating a balance cushion into your routine can benefit your health and wellness.
Key benefits of incorporating a balance cushion in your training
1. Improved core strength & stability:
The unstable surface of a balance cushion forces your core muscles—including the abdominals and lower back—to work harder to keep you upright. Regular use strengthens these muscles, which are essential for overall stability and posture. Office chairs can be swapped out for pilates balls to get the most from static time spent at your desk.
👉 Shop: AlphaState TPE Balance Cushion
2. Enhanced balance & proprioception:
Proprioception is your body’s ability to sense its position in space. Balance cushion training sharpens this sense by requiring constant micro-adjustments, which helps prevent falls and improves coordination.
3. Injury prevention & rehabilitation:
Balance cushions are widely used in physiotherapy to help people recover from injuries (such as ankle sprains, knee surgeries, or joint replacements) by rebuilding strength, coordination, and body awareness. They also reduce the risk of future injuries by improving joint stability and muscle control.
4. Better posture:
Sitting or standing on a balance cushion encourages active, dynamic posture. This helps counteract the effects of prolonged sitting and can reduce back pain by strengthening the muscles that support your spine.
5. Muscle tone & strength:
The need to stabilise yourself engages muscles throughout your body—especially the legs, hips, and glutes—leading to improved muscle tone and overall strength. Balance ball exercises are great for runners looking to strengthen their joints and become more injury resilient.
👉 Shop: AlphaState Inflatable Balance Cushion (bosu ball)
6. Cognitive & mental benefits:
Balancing requires focus and concentration, which can enhance mental acuity, coordination, and even help with relaxation. Some balance cushions also feature massage nubs to further promote relaxation, self regulation and blood circulation.
👉 Shop: AlphaState Inflatable Balance Cushion with nubs
7. Versatility & accessibility:
Balance cushions are compact, easy to use at home or in the office, and suitable for everyone—from children (helping with concentration and focus in school) to older adults (reducing fall risk).
8. Support for special needs:
They are helpful for children with attention difficulties (such as ADHD), people recovering from surgery, and older adults seeking to maintain independence and mobility.
Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, recover from an injury, or simply add variety to your routine, training with a balance cushion is an effective, low-impact way to boost core strength, balance, posture, and overall well-being.