Best Core Sliders to Engage Your Abs

Core slider discs are one of the best workout accessories that help in strengthening the abs, back muscles, and obliques. You can easily include them in your regular workout regime without having to make any big changes as many usual core exercises can be performed with these sliders with an extra challenge.

However, due to the abundant options you have in terms of size, surface grip, ease of movement, surface compatibility, and more, it can be challenging to choose the best set of core sliders. If you start considering all the factors from A to Z, you will need more than a day or two to reach a decision! For that reason, we have created a list of important factors that will help you make a selection without any extra effort.

What Are Core Sliders?

The core sliders are circular discs that come with two usable sides. One side has a rough, grippier texture to slide on hard, smooth floors like concrete, epoxy floors, wooden floors, and so on. The other side usually has a smooth texture that will help you perform the exercises on mats, rugs, and carpets. You can use sliders to perform a variety of exercises in order to strengthen and stabilize your core more than some basic movements.

What Main Factors Should You Consider in the Best Core Sliders?

Size

Even though the core sliders all have a circular shape, they usually vary in size. It is important to consider the size because it will let you know how much area you will have for supporting your hand, foot, arm, elbows, or knees. If you only want to use your hands and feet for exercises, a smaller size will suffice. But if you want to rest your knees or use your forearms, you should check whether the sliding disc you choose has enough surface area or not. For calculating the disc surface area, you need to check its diameter.

Compatibility with Floor Surfaces

As the sliding discs can glide over different types of surfaces, you need to check whether they are compatible with your floor or not. Let's assume you have a concrete floor in your home gym, but the core sliders you have chosen can only glide on carpet. In this case, the discs won't last for long. And it will be worse if you have to sustain injuries because of your wrong disc choice. That's why you should consider whether the core sliders can glide on the floor surface where you usually exercise. Most core sliders are double-sided so you have options, but always check to make sure.

Material

The ease with which the sliding discs will move over the floor or the carpet depends on the material. On one side, you will have fabric or foam that will help you move over a hard floor surface like concrete or hardwood. Similarly, the other side will be made from smooth material, like plastic, that can be moved easily over carpets and rugs. Thus, if the materials are not appropriately chosen, you will have difficulty moving on various floor surfaces.

Color and Finishes

The core sliders are available in different color combinations like orange and black, blue and dark grey, fluorescent green with black, etc. Aside from being visually appealing, the design will help you to differentiate between the two surfaces easily so you can choose the right one for your floor. However, color is mostly an aesthetic choice.

Grip and Control

Two of the most important sub-factors that are necessary considerations are grip and control. Since these discs will glide over the floor, you have to be very careful about the amount of control over them. If you lose control, it might lead to accidents and injuries. The slider discs should offer you the ultimate grip control so that you can move them over the floors and perform the exercises without worrying about injuries.

How Do You Use Core Sliders Appropriately?

To use them properly for your workout routine, you can follow these tricks.

• At the time of placing the discs on the floor, be very sure of their surface texture. If you use the softer disc face to slide on hard floors or vice versa, they won't last for a long time
• If you are a beginner, do not start with complicated exercises because you might lose balance and slip on the floor and hurt yourself
• Always look for sliders that have anti-skidding liners so that there is minimal chance of an accident

What Are the Most Helpful Exercises To Do with Core Sliders?

Some of the most helpful exercises that you can perform with the core sliders are:

• Body saw
• Slider mountain climber
• Single leg knee tuck
• Plank jack
• Plank to pike
• Arm circles
• Single-leg slide
• Arm wheelbarrow
• Crossbody mountain climber
• Side lunges with pulses
• Reverse lunges with twists

Core Slider FAQ

Q: What other exercise accessories can I use with a core slider?

A: Along with the core sliders, you can use a resistance band to ease its motion and have better control over the speed. Furthermore, the resistance bands combined with the sliding discs will be better for training your core muscles and making them stronger. If core sliders aren't enough of a challenge, adding resistance bands can make your exercises harder.

Q: Can I use only one core slider at a time?

A: Yes, you can use one core slider disc at a time during exercises like single-leg knee tucks, alternating leg curls, lateral lunges, crossbody mountain climbers, reverse lunges, a twisted lunge with tuck, and more. However, you need to make sure that you have proper control over the disc sliding discs.

Q: Are the core sliders meant only for indoor exercises?

A: Yes, the core sliders are meant only for indoor exercises because if you use them for outdoor workouts, the uneven surfaces may cause damage to the disc material. Moreover, the outdoor terrain is not ideal for the exercises you can perform with the disc sliders. Hence, you should always use them inside, regardless of the floor type.