Benefits of the BOSU

You’ve probably seen this odd-looking piece of equipment in your gym. The BOSU (which stands for Both Sides Up), is a tool that helps you build up your balance and core strength. You can amp up the most basic movements with a BOSU to get even more out of your workout.

Split squat with round side up

NOTE: If you have any issues with hip, knee, or ankle stability, the BOSU is not a good choice for you, unless otherwise specified by a fitness professional or doctor.

Tall plank with flat side up

There are two ways to use the BOSU. The rounded side up, or the flat side up. Starting with the rounded side up is recommended, as the flat bottom provides a more stable base, and the rounded side provides a challenging surface. Simply standing on the BOSU to gain your balance can be an exercise in itself!

Once you’ve established you can stand on the BOSU and keep your balance, try exercises such as squats, bicep curls, overhead tricep presses, or split squats. That unstable surface will force your core to work harder, and you’ll find your once simple exercises to be challenging again!

Glute bridge with flat side up

The BOSU can also be used for floor-based exercises, such as planks, crunches, pushups, and chest presses. Again, the instability demands more of your muscles, so you’ll feel the burn much faster, and you’ll be working on your balance and core at the same time.

Workout of the Week: Total Body Burn

This workout combines cardio and strength moves to burn fat and calories like nobody's business. Do the circuit 2-4 times for best results.

30 jumping jacks
5 pushups
25 high knees
7 burpees
10 crunches
7 squats
5 pushups
10 crunches
5 pushups
7 squats
30 jumping jacks
1-minute wall sit
5 pushups
25 high knees

Want even more of a challenge? Do this tabata-style: 30 seconds of the exercise with 10 seconds rest in between each move!

Workout of the Week: Super Sexy Shoulders

Do these exercises as a circuit 3 times, or in individual sets for smokin' hot shoulders!

15 reps each of:

Overhead press: Hold weights at 90 degrees, with palms facing out, and your elbows bent. Push the weights straight up and over your head.

overhead press

Front raise: Arms straight, palms face your lap. Raise dumbells in front to shoulder height.

front raise

Lateral raise: Arms straight at your sides, palms face your hips. Raise dumbells to the side to shoulder height.

lateral raise

High pull: Arms straight, palms face your lap. Pull weights straight up, close to the body, with elbows out.

high pull

Y-raise: Arms straight, palms face your lap. Keeping arms straight, raise dumbells straight out and up to form a Y-with your arms.

Y-raise

Workout of the Week: Fit in 50

A great workout to get the metabolism revving to incinerate fat!

1-minute jump rope
50 squats
45 crunches
40 pushups (modify if necessary)
35 kettle bell (or dumbbell) swings
1-minute jump rope

30 squats
25 crunches
20 pushups
15 kettle bell (or dumbbell) swings
10 squats
1-minute jump rope