Slider discs are one the smallest and cheapest pieces of exercise equipment available. Now you might have confused them for the discs you put under furniture to help move it, but these discs can broaden your range of exercises while reducing your risk of injury. They also work your core and abs a lot differently than your typical exercises. Here are the benefits of core slider disc workouts.
EXERCISES:
It’s hard to talk about the advantages without talking about the proper way to use them. Gliders need a smooth surface to slide on, like a tile or wood floor, but you can also you an area rug as well. Place one foot on the glider and slide your leg back into a lunge. Feel your leg muscles working? Gliders allow you to do exercises without picking up your feet.
Next, get into a pushup position, and place one set of toes on the glider. Move that leg straight out to the side and back to work your core. Gliders allow movements that wouldn’t be easy to do, or even impossible otherwise.
IMPROVED STABILITY
A major benefit of using core discs is that you will improve your stability after using them for just a few weeks. When on gliders, imagine walking on ice; it takes a lot of balance to stay on your feet. Granted they aren’t slippery like ice, but they offer the same challenge. All of the muscles in your legs and core must synchronize to keep you from falling. Compared to lunges on your feet, ten glider lunges are more difficult due to the lack of stability, and as a runner, we’re always trying to improve our stability.
NEW CORE EXERCISE OPTIONS
When you’re a runner, you’re always looking for new ways to challenge your core. A significant benefit of the discs is a whole new variety of core exercises, which is great when you’re tired of the same old crunches and situps. Many exercises can are done from a pushup position, so it’s also a little arm workout as well.
Try moving your legs side to side, front to back, crossing one leg over the other, or simply rotating your knee to your opposite elbow; or flip onto your back and try hamstring curls with your feet on the gliders.
NON – IMPACT
If you have had injuries or soreness, or are just a runner on a cross-training day and don’t want to overwork your legs. The discs are a useful tool to help you out. Because you won’t slam your feet down onto the ground, and the overall impact of your workout is reduced as is the pain that comes with high-impact exercise. Sliding Lunges don’t involve any steps; your feet never leave the ground, no matter what direction you lunge. The same is true for core exercises as well.
WHICH ONES TO GET
I’ve tried several discs, and my favorite is the ZojiFit Gliding Discs they aren’t super foamy and slide on just about any surface. Plus they’re only $20 and are perfect for traveling. I highly recommend these over most of the others out there.