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Best Upper Body Workouts With Bosu Balance Trainer To Build Strength

About

The BOSU Balance Trainer, a unique piece of equipment, combines an exercise ball and a solid platform to offer diverse workout opportunities while introducing controlled instability to movements.

Upper body workouts target muscle groups such as the chest, back, shoulders, biceps, triceps, trapezius, abdominals, and forearms, often including compound exercises like bench presses, lat pull-downs, shoulder presses, and rows alongside isolation movements.

Strength-focused routines prioritize developing maximal lifting ability by utilizing heavier weights and fewer repetitions, merging compound and isolation exercises to engage multiple and specific muscle groups effectively.

By incorporating the BOSU Balance Trainer, these upper body strength exercises can benefit from enhanced stability challenges.

The 15 Best Upper Body Exercises with BOSU Balance Trainer to Build Strength

Ranked By

Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Balance Trainer Push Up

    Balance Trainer Push Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    588,535
    Chest Strength
    29 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of BOSU® Balance Trainer
    BOSU® Balance Trainer

    The Balance Trainer Push Up is a challenging version of the regular push-up that helps improve your stability. It uses an unstable surface, making the exercise harder and enhancing your overall strength in pushing movements.

    How to do it

    1. Place your hands on the outside edges of the Balance Trainer with the dome side facing up.
    2. Lift your knees to create a straight line from your heels to your shoulders.
    3. Bend your elbows to lower your chest towards the Balance Trainer, keeping your elbows close to your body.
    4. Push back up to the starting position by straightening your arms.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
    4
    7reps
  • 2. Balance Trainer Crunch

    Balance Trainer Crunch demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    672,651
    Abs Strength
    85 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of BOSU® Balance Trainer
    BOSU® Balance Trainer

    The Balance Trainer Crunch is a challenging twist on the basic crunch that strengthens your abdominal muscles. Using a Balance Trainer adds instability, which helps engage your core more effectively.

    How to do it

    1. Sit on the edge of the Balance Trainer dome side up, with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
    2. Lie back onto the Balance Trainer so your back is extended.
    3. Cross your arms over your chest.
    4. Engage your core and lift your torso towards your knees, keeping your head aligned with your body.
    5. Slowly return to the starting position while maintaining tension in your abdomen.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
    4
    9reps
  • 3. Balance Trainer Plank

    Balance Trainer Plank demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    196,625
    Abs Strength
    72 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of BOSU® Balance Trainer
    BOSU® Balance Trainer

    The Balance Trainer Plank is a tougher version of the regular plank that helps strengthen your core. By balancing on a Balance Trainer, you'll challenge your stability and engage more muscle fibers for a better workout.

    How to do it

    1. Lie face down with your elbows under your shoulders.
    2. Place your toes on the Balance Trainer.
    3. Lift your body up so that only your forearms and toes touch the ground, keeping your body straight.
    4. Tighten your core and keep your hips up, avoiding any sagging.
    5. Hold this position for the recommended time.
  • 4. Balance Trainer Dome Push Ups

    Balance Trainer Dome Push Ups demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    105,401
    Chest Strength
    51 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of BOSU® Balance Trainer
    BOSU® Balance Trainer

    The Balance Trainer Dome Push Up is an advanced push-up variation that works your chest, shoulders, and triceps while improving your stability. Using a Balance Trainer makes the exercise more challenging than regular push-ups, helping you build strength for other pushing movements.

    How to do it

    1. Stand behind the Balance Trainer and place your hands on the dome.
    2. Step back into a plank position with your feet hip-width apart.
    3. Lower your chest towards the top of the dome by bending your arms.
    4. Push back up to the straight arm plank position slowly.
    5. Keep your core tight and avoid arching your lower back throughout the exercise.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps
  • 5. Balance Trainer Spiderman Push Up

    Balance Trainer Spiderman Push Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    131,300
    Chest Strength
    42 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of BOSU® Balance Trainer
    BOSU® Balance Trainer

    The Balance Trainer Spiderman Push Up is a fun exercise that combines Push Ups and Mountain Climbers. It works your chest, triceps, and core while also improving stability using a Balance Trainer.

    How to do it

    1. Start in a plank position with the Balance Trainer platform side up.
    2. Lower your chest towards the dome, then push back up to plank.
    3. Bring your right knee towards your right shoulder, keeping it pointed outward.
    4. Repeat the push-up followed by bringing your left knee to your left shoulder.
    5. Keep your core engaged and avoid arching your lower back.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
    4
    7reps
  • 6. Balance Trainer Wide Pushups

    Balance Trainer Wide Pushups demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    68,293
    Chest Strength
    50 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of BOSU® Balance Trainer
    BOSU® Balance Trainer

    Wide Pushups on a Balance Trainer help strengthen your chest, shoulders, and core by adding instability. This exercise targets your chest more and improves your upper body strength and balance.

    How to do it

    1. Stand behind the Balance Trainer with the top side up.
    2. Place your hands in the handles with a wide grip.
    3. Step back into a plank position.
    4. Bend your arms to lower your chest towards the platform.
    5. Push back up to the plank position.
    6. Keep your core tight and your back straight.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps
  • 7. Balance Trainer Braced Bicycle Kicks

    Balance Trainer Braced Bicycle Kicks demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    40,947
    Abs Strength
    80 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of BOSU® Balance Trainer
    BOSU® Balance Trainer

    This exercise uses a balance trainer to challenge your core muscles while performing bicycle kicks. It engages your abs and obliques more than standard bicycle kicks due to the instability of the BOSU.

    How to do it

    1. Sit on the balance trainer with your hands on the sides.
    2. Extend one leg straight out while pulling the opposite knee to your chest.
    3. Lean back until your torso is nearly parallel to the floor.
    4. Switch legs, extending one while pulling the other knee in.
    5. Keep your chest up and core tight during the exercise.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps
  • 8. Balance Trainer Braced Frog Kicks

    Balance Trainer Braced Frog Kicks demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    69,210
    Abs Strength
    85 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of BOSU® Balance Trainer
    BOSU® Balance Trainer

    Balance Trainer Braced Frog Kicks is a core-strengthening exercise done on a Balance Trainer. By lifting and extending your legs while stabilizing your body, you not only work your core but also improve balance.

    How to do it

    1. Sit on the Balance Trainer with your hands on the sides.
    2. Pull your knees towards your chest in a v-sit position.
    3. Slowly extend your legs while lowering your torso back.
    4. Pull your knees back in and return to the starting position.
    5. Keep your core tight and avoid arching your lower back.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
    4
    9reps
  • 9. Balance Trainer Leg Crossover Planks

    Balance Trainer Leg Crossover Planks demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    34,188
    Abs Strength
    71 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of BOSU® Balance Trainer
    BOSU® Balance Trainer

    The Balance Trainer Leg Crossover Planks are a twist on the standard plank that involves crossing your legs while balancing on a BOSU trainer. This exercise strengthens your core, specifically your obliques and lower back, while also improving overall stability.

    How to do it

    1. Stand behind the BOSU Balance Trainer with the flat side facing up.
    2. Place your hands on the handles and step back into a plank position.
    3. Bring one knee toward your chest and across to the opposite elbow.
    4. Switch legs with each crossover movement.
    5. Keep your core tight throughout the exercise.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
    4
    7reps
  • 10. Balance Trainer Russian Twist

    Balance Trainer Russian Twist demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    49,914
    Abs Strength
    77 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of BOSU® Balance Trainer
    BOSU® Balance Trainer

    The Balance Trainer Russian Twist is a core exercise that strengthens your obliques and abdominals while balancing on a BOSU dome. This unstable surface increases the challenge, helping to improve your core strength and stability.

    How to do it

    1. Sit on the front slope of the BOSU dome with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
    2. Hold a medicine ball or weight in both hands and lean back slightly.
    3. Twist your torso to one side, bringing the ball toward the side of the dome.
    4. Return to the center and then twist to the other side.
    5. Keep your core tight during the exercise.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps
  • 11. Balance Trainer Shoulder Tap Planks

    Balance Trainer Shoulder Tap Planks demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    35,123
    Abs Strength
    50 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of BOSU® Balance Trainer
    BOSU® Balance Trainer

    The Balance Trainer Shoulder Tap Plank is a challenging exercise that strengthens your core, shoulders, and arms. Doing it on a BOSU balance trainer raises the difficulty, helping improve your balance and stability.

    How to do it

    1. Stand in front of the Balance Trainer and place your hands on the floor.
    2. Step back into a plank position with your feet on the dome, keeping them close together.
    3. Shift your weight to one arm and lift the other arm to tap the opposite shoulder.
    4. Alternate tapping each shoulder.
    5. Keep your core tight and avoid arching your lower back.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
    4
    7reps
  • 12. Balance Trainer Side Star Plank

    Balance Trainer Side Star Plank demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    12,132
    Abs Strength
    51 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of BOSU® Balance Trainer
    BOSU® Balance Trainer

    The Balance Trainer Side Star Plank is a challenging exercise that enhances your balance and strengthens your core. It primarily works your obliques, shoulders, and hips, providing a tougher workout than a standard side plank.

    How to do it

    1. Stand behind the BOSU balance trainer and place your hands on the dome.
    2. Step back into a plank position with your feet hip-width apart.
    3. Lift one arm and rotate your body into a side plank, reaching the arm toward the ceiling.
    4. Rotate back to the plank position.
    5. Complete the desired number of reps on one side, then switch to the other side.
    6. Keep your core tight and avoid arching your back throughout the exercise.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
    4
    7reps
  • 13. Balance Trainer Stability Ball Knee Tucks

    Balance Trainer Stability Ball Knee Tucks demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    11,989
    Abs Strength
    78 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of BOSU® Balance Trainer
    BOSU® Balance Trainer
    Photo of Stability (Swiss) Ball
    Stability (Swiss) Ball

    The Balance Trainer Stability Ball Knee Tucks is an exercise that strengthens your core, hip flexors, and shoulders while improving balance. It uses a balance trainer and a stability ball to add difficulty compared to regular knee tucks on the floor.

    How to do it

    1. Start in a plank position with the Balance Trainer placed upside down and both hands on its handles.
    2. Put your lower legs and feet on the stability ball, keeping balance in plank position.
    3. Pull your knees towards your chest, rolling the ball forward.
    4. Extend your legs back out to return to plank position.
    5. Keep your core tight and avoid arching your lower back during the exercise.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps
  • 14. Balance Trainer Incline Push Up

    Balance Trainer Incline Push Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    31,394
    Chest Strength
    83 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of BOSU® Balance Trainer
    BOSU® Balance Trainer

    The Balance Trainer Incline Push Up is an advanced push-up variation that focuses on your chest and triceps. Using a Balance Trainer makes the exercise more unstable, which helps target your lower chest effectively.

    How to do it

    1. Place the Balance Trainer on a POWERSTAX™.
    2. Get into an incline plank position with your hands on the platform's edges.
    3. Slowly lower your chest toward the platform by bending your arms.
    4. Push back up to the plank position by extending your arms.
    5. Keep your core tight and avoid arching your lower back.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps
  • 15. Balance Trainer Wood Choppers

    Balance Trainer Wood Choppers demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    22,032
    Abs Strength
    63 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of BOSU® Balance Trainer
    BOSU® Balance Trainer

    The Balance Trainer Wood Choppers are an exercise that works your core muscles, especially the sides (obliques), as well as your shoulders and hips. Using a BOSU balance trainer makes this exercise more challenging and helps improve your balance and strength by mimicking the action of chopping wood.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with the Balance Trainer in front of you, dome side down.
    2. Squat down while rotating to lower the dome to one side of your body.
    3. Stand up and rotate to press the trainer overhead on the opposite side.
    4. Do the same number of repetitions on each side.
    5. Keep your core tight during the whole exercise.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
    4
    7reps

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Upper Body Workouts to Build Strength

Alternative Upper Body Workouts with BOSU Balance Trainer

Alternative Workouts with BOSU Balance Trainer to Build Strength