Ab Mats & Balance Pads

Level up your core isolation and joint stability with our premium ab mats and balance pads, designed to help you build a rock-solid foundation for every lift. Buy an ab mat to support your natural curve during your sit-ups or bench press, or step onto our balance pads to challenge your coordination and joint strength. At Northern, we provide the commercial-grade fitness equipment you need to stay locked in, improve your balance, and build up that core strength. Buy now and deliver at your door front, or schedule a pick up at our warehouse. Start your core training today and improve your overall body control.

Showing 6 Products

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers

Darren Dawidiuk - Northern Ambassador Katie Vinten - Northern Ambassador Craig McGill - Northern Athlete Ambasaddors

If you can’t find the right gym equipment you’re looking for, please reach out to us and our customer service assistants will be happy to assist you.

What is an ab mat?

An ab mat is a fitness support accessory made of a high-density foam pad designed to provide lower back support specifically for your lumbar spine whenever you are performing sit-ups and crunches. It provides support during these abdominal exercises, maximises your muscle engagement, and improves comfort during your routine.

What is a balance pad, and how does it work?

A balance pad is a thick but soft unstable training tool, made of high-density foam, used for stability exercises and rehabilitation routines. The unstable foam surface engages your stabilisers to work by creating a constant challenge to your centre of gravity. This also causes your feet, ankles, and leg muscles to activate and coordinate to keep you balanced.

What is the best way to position an ab mat?

During sit-ups, place the ab mat higher end against your lower back and the thinner end towards your shoulders, which gives your better stretch during your workout. To increase difficulty and resistance during sit-ups, you can place your hands across your chest.

What exercises can you do with an ab mat?

Ab mat is commonly used for sit-ups or other abdominal work, but you can also use it for butterfly sit-ups, handstand push-ups, kneeling lunges, plank variations, and even with warmups or stretches. Make sure that you wipe it down with a damp cloth after each workout so that it will be slippery for the next routine.

Why shouldn't I do sit-ups on a flat floor?

If you do sit-ups on a flat surface, your lower back loses contact with the floor, which can cause your hip flexors to take over the movement. This causes lower back strain and soreness. So make sure to use an ab mat to prevent these issues.

Can I use balance pads for standing poses or Pilates?

A balance pad is a versatile training tool and is highly suitable for yoga, Pilates, general fitness, or as a seat cushion to support posture. These pads can also support your knees during deep stretches or kneeling poses.

How does an ab mat improve my core training?

An ab mat fills the gap between your lower back and the floor, providing more support to your spine's natural curve. So using an ab mat forces your abs muscles to do the work. This means your abs have to work much harder during your core training, pull you back up, and engage more deeply to build endurance and strength.

Can I use an ab mat during the bench press?

Yes, placing an ab mat under your back while benching can help you maintain a consistent and safe posture throughout the lift. This also creates a back arch and chest-up position that tilts your rib cage upwards to better align your muscles with the barbell’s path during bench press. Using an ab mat during a bench press also maximises the gains and improves pressing power.

Can I use the balance pad for lower-body strength training?

Performing squats or lunges with one or both feet on the balance pad adds difficulty to your knees and hips far more than a flat floor. Adding a balance pad to your workout makes this a high-intensity stability training.

What is the best exercise for stability and rehabilitation using a balance pad?

The most effective exercise is the single-leg stand, which directly utilises the pad's thick, soft, and unstable surface to engage your stabiliser muscles. This also causes your feet, ankles, and leg muscles to synchronise and coordinate to maintain stability.

View more