What Is a BOSU Ball?
First appearing on the fitness scene in 2000, the BOSU trainer has become a mainstay in gyms and fitness centers. Originally an acronym for Both Sides Up, the BOSU now stands for Both Sides Utilized, according to the BOSU website. This refers to the way both sides of the device get utilized in workouts, whether you use the smooth or rounded end.
If you’ve ever worked with a BOSU, then you know the experience of balancing on either side presents its own set of challenges. Wobbling on the flat end feels different to the kneading action you need to stand still on the rounded end. A BOSU ball offers plenty of opportunities to focus on your balance, cardio, strength, and flexibility. Try a few simple step-up moves on the BOSU ball to get your heart rate up, or incorporate it into your push-up routine.
This selection of apps provides an impressive selection of workouts that feature the unique fitness tool. Follow along with workout videos where the BOSU is the star, or create your own routine from a list of preset exercises. Either way, you’ll soon have a great selection of BOSU workout ideas to try out on your balance trainer.
1. Stark BOSU Ball
The Stark BOSU Ball app demonstrates 21 different BOSU exercises in high-definition video. If you’re looking for a comprehensive selection of workouts for your whole body, these helpful videos certainly deliver.
On the Home tab, you can review the videos for each exercise, arranged in Easy, Medium, and Hard categories. Use the BOSU to cushion your arm for a side plank, for instance, or challenge your balance by performing squats on the BOSU’s flat side.
To create your own workout routine, press and hold on the workouts that you want, then add them to a list. Alternatively, a pre-built full-body routine encourages you to follow a TABATA-style workout, all with your BOSU ball. This simple and straightforward app offers everything you need to make the most of your BOSU ball as an exercise tool.
Download: Stark BOSU Ball for iOS ($4.99) | Android ($1.99)
2. BOSU Ball Workouts
Take on exercises that work your arms, legs, core, or full body with this app designed by a professional trainer.
From the home screen, select a training plan that focuses on muscle training, full body training, fat-burning workouts, or other areas. There’s also a selection of short routines and a 30-day muscle gain program.
Next, select your workout of choice from the dropdown list. A video demonstrates each individual exercise, whether you’re performing flutter kicks or step-ups. Hit the start button to record your workout, and follow along with the demonstrated exercises. This includes your reps and sets too, so all you have to do is focus on the exercise itself.
The app is free to use. However, persistent video advertisements pop up frequently. You can pay for the pro version to access more content and get rid of the advertisements.
Download: BOSU Ball Workouts for Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
3. Fitify: Fitness & Home Workout
The Fitify fitness app is a popular all-purpose workout app, and it includes routines based on specific fitness tools, including the BOSU ball. Accessing all the app’s information does require a subscription, but a week-long free trial is available.
In addition to its substantial workout content, the Fitify app also includes exercise packs based on specific pieces of workout equipment, including BOSU balls. In fact, the app offers 67 BOSU-based exercises. Once you select the BOSU category, you can review both floor and standing workouts.
Learn everything from doing crunches to triceps dips on the BOSU. Each exercise includes a helpful demonstration video as well. Hints for each exercise help you perform it correctly, including tips about how to hold your shoulders or neck. If you want an in-depth and substantial BOSU app with exercises that help build your cardio, strength, and balance, Fitify is a solid option.
Download: Fitify for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
4. Romney Studios Streaming
Based on the online fitness studio, the Romney Studios Streaming app offers access to a variety of Pilates, Bounce, Megaformer, and BOSU classes, in addition to a wealth of additional content.
Its hour-long, choreographed BOSU classes incorporate cardio and strength training techniques. Follow along with a whole group of people to enhance the workout class experience. New videos get uploaded regularly, so you’ll have a challenging and fresh routine to try regularly.
Download: Romney Studios Streaming for iOS | Android (Subscription required, free trial available)
5. Fitbod
In addition to an extensive library of strength-training workouts, the Fitbod app also includes a series of workouts specifically for BOSU balls. From the main screen of the BOSU section, select the exercise you want to do.
Each workout includes a clear video demonstration, as well as a set of instructions that offer tips for aligning your body to get the most out of the movements. The BOSU push-up screen, for example, advises you to focus on maintaining straight alignment in your body while performing the exercises.
Tap the Start Workout button to roll through the entire BOSU set, which includes squats, mountain climbers, and crunches. After using it for a little while, you might agree that Fitbod is one of the best workout apps available for the iPhone. If you’re using it with a BOSU ball, it’s even more helpful.
Download: Fitbod for iOS | Android (Subscription required, free trial available)
Boost Your Workouts With BOSU Balance Trainer Apps
Whether you like following along with a fitness instructor video or crafting your own workout routine, these BOSU ball apps will help you make the most of these versatile training devices. Challenge your balance, improve strength, and work on your cardio with the help of these curated BOSU workouts.
