Tone up and play video games at the same time with this top-rated core trainer

Korin Miller
·8 min read

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This specialized core trainer helps make planking way more fun. (Photo: Amazon)
This specialized core trainer helps make planking way more fun. (Photo: Amazon)

When it comes to doing exercises to strengthen your core, planking is a popular choice. The problem is, it's kind of...dull.

To entertain yourself while you're holding plank position, you can crank up the music or zone out while staring at your exercise mat, and that's pretty much it. Well, a new core strengthening tool is designed to change that. It's called the Stealth Abs + Plank Plankster Core Trainer, and it lets you play video games on your phone while working your core at the same time. Right now, you can snag this handy tool for $119 at Amazon.

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)

$119 at Amazon

Let's back up for a moment here: Having a strong core is important for so many reasons, Albert Matheny, R.D., C.S.C.S., co-founder of SoHo Strength Lab and Promix Nutrition, tells Yahoo Life. "A strong core is the opposing muscle group to your back, and its job is to stabilize your spine," he says. "When people get a strong core, it can relieve pressure on your back, along with back pain."

Strong core muscles can also help lower your risk of future injuries, Doug Sklar, a certified personal trainer and founder of New York City-based fitness training studio PhilanthroFIT, tells Yahoo Life. "Having strong core muscles reduces your risk of injury when performing daily life activities like picking up packages, mowing the lawn, gardening, playing with children and so much more," he says.

And, of course, having a tight core can also help you get flatter abs.

That brings us up to core strengthening. While planks are helpful for getting a strong core, they're not exactly fun to do. "A plank is pretty boring," Matheny says. "There's not much going on while you do it."

That's where the Stealth Abs + Plank Plankster Core Trainer comes in. This workout tool has you stabilize your abs while balancing on the trainer — and you're playing video games at the same time. You simply download the free Stealth Fitness app on your phone and secure your phone onto the trainer. Choose from four games like Stealth Speed Gliding, Color Chase, Galaxy Adventure and Space Escape, which require you to move at different angles to play while in a plank position. The end result? You're targeting different areas of your core while being totally entertained. While it's not a guarantee that you'll end up planking longer than usual, the video game element definitely can't hurt.

Choose from one of four video games while you plank. (Photo: Amazon)
Choose from one of four video games while you plank. (Photo: Amazon)

"Like working out to music that you enjoy, being distracted may take your mind off the challenge of exercising," Sklar points out. Matheny agrees. "Having something like a game to distract you is good," he says. Just a caveat per Matheny: You'll want to make sure you maintain good planking form while you use this tool — otherwise you could strain your back.

The Stealth Abs + Plank Plankster Core Trainer is definitely a different way to get your plank on, and plenty of Amazon shoppers swear by it. "I HATE core work, and I HATE planking even though those two things will improve my quality of life," a happy customer said, noting that they "fell in love with" the trainer on the first session. "It says to do three minutes a day but I could barely do 45 seconds," they continued. "No worries, I couldn't wait to get on again because it was SO MUCH FUN!! Working my core has never been so mentally engaging. I love this thing and I fully endorse its effectiveness in terms of both workout, AND motivation. I would recommend it to ANYBODY and I will never NOT have one of these in my home."

Even seasoned plankers say the Stealth Abs + Plank Plankster Core Trainer is a good workout. "And I thought i had strong abs!" one five-star reviewer said. "Just a little over one minute on Stealth and I start shaking! It is challenging yet very interactive and fun. This plankster takes my abs workout to a whole new level! I feel muscles I didn't know exist!"

If you feel comfortable just staring at your floor or exercise mat while you plank, the Stealth Abs + Plank Plankster Core Trainer probably isn't for you. But if you're seriously struggling to find motivation to work your core, it's definitely a handy device worth looking into.

$119 at Amazon

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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