The Stealth Core Trainer combines gaming and fitness. It was one of the first purchases I made from Instagram. It seemed to appear on all my social media feeds and since I’m their perfect demographic, they convinced me I needed to have it.
I’ve used the Stealth Core Trainer somewhat regularly (for the last few years and thought I should finally share my review with you.
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- What is the Stealth Core Trainer?
- What is the Difference Between the Stealth Core Trainers?
- Does the Stealth Core Trainer Require a Subscription?
- How Do You Play a Stealth Core Game?
- What is the Proper Form for the Stealth Trainer?
- Which Muscles Does the Stealth Core Trainer Work?
- Who is the Stealth Core Trainer Best For?
- Pros and Cons of the Stealth Core Trainer
- Helpful Tips
- Final Thoughts: Is the Stealth Core Trainer Worth It?
What is the Stealth Core Trainer?
The Stealth Core Trainer was created by Howard Pane, a self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur focused on health and fitness and a long-time personal trainer.
At first glance, the Stealth Core Trainer looks like a balance board you’d see in the gym used for targeting core muscles.
The Stealth has a few interesting features that differentiate it from the competition:
Pivoting Base
Unlike a traditional plank board, the Stealth base pivots around 360 degrees enabling you to shift your body side to side, front to back, mainly in tiny movements. It’s these little maneuvers that add up to results.
Padded Armrests
The board includes padded arm pads for comfort while holding the plank position. However, in the beginning, my husband and I both wanted additional cushioning for our elbows, and got these pads. We no longer use them.
Games
Stealth’s tagline is “Game Your Core” and it doesn’t disappoint.
If you like old-school video games, you’re in for a treat. Stealth incorporates arcade-style video games into its functionality. You have the option to use only the free games (which are great, I must say) or upgrade to Stealth Premium.
The Stealth has a well-designed inset to hold all smartphones (iPhone or Android devices). Some games require vertical placement of your phone while others need horizontal orientation.
Use the games to track your own progress or compete against others to try to beat their high score.
What is the Difference Between the Stealth Core Trainers?
The main difference between the Stealth Core Trainers, differentiated by color, is the weight limit:
Stealth Deluxe (yellow)
This is the one I have and it holds up to 300 lbs.
Stealth Pro (orange)
The Stealth Pro holds up to 350 pounds.
StealthGo (blue or yellow)
The portable Stealth has a 225 to 250-pound weight limit.
Does the Stealth Core Trainer Require a Subscription?
No subscription is required but many users do upgrade to Stealth’s affordable paid plan.
Free Subscription
When you purchase the Stealth, you receive four complimentary video games and access to the free companion app available on the Apple App Store or Google Play. The Core Games include:
- Galaxy Adventure: an outer space game reminiscent of Asteroids
- Color Chase: a simple game involving a rolling colored ball (reminds me of Peloton’s Lanebreak)
- Speed Gliding: a hang gliding game
- Space Escape: another space game where an alien hops up on ascending platforms
Speed Gliding is still my favorite game to date. While in the planking position, mimicking an actual hang glider, avoid hitting trees as you soar through the sky.
Paid Subscription
After a while, you may want to upgrade and pay for the premium games. It’s only $39.99 for a yearly subscription. I got grandfathered into a lower price ($19.99) but I still think paying for games is worth it, as you get newly released games every month. You can also try out the premium subscription for free for 7 days.
Some of my favorite paid games are:
- Muscle Memory
- Fitman (basically PacMan)
- Archery Adventure
- Fun Runner
There’s also a Plank Timer if you don’t want to play a game.
Can Family Members Share a Subscription?
If they are only interested in the free games, all they have to do is download the app. However, if someone in your household wants access to the premium games and their individual stats, each person needs a separate game account. They can get this for a small additional fee by contacting Stealth directly.
Stealth Nation
With either the free or paid plan, you get invited to their active Facebook Group, Stealth Nation. It’s one of the most supportive environments I’ve found on social media. You can also find a link to Stealth Nation on the app.
In the group, Stealth users share monthly challenges and tips. Plus, some of the coaches pop in there to share their newest workouts using the Stealth. It’s the best way to stay updated on Stealth’s newest games and additions to the entire stealth fitness product line (which now includes the Stealth Squat Trainer and Stealth Cycle).
Hacker
Stealth introduced Hacker, “a fun way to lose weight through gaming” (their words, not mine) for premium members. I haven’t tried it yet but I probably will someday. If you have tried out Hacker, let us know your thoughts in the comments. Also, sign up for my newsletter below to stay up to date on the latest blog posts and updates.
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How Do You Play a Stealth Core Game?
Each game varies and you work different muscle groups depending on what it requires of you.
On the app, click on the top menu item “Core Games.” If you have Premium, those games appear on top. For every game, you can find instructions on how to play. Each game can also be set to endurance mode or countdown mode.
Endurance Mode
This mode counts time up from zero.
Countdown Mode
This mode counts down from a specified amount of time that you choose.
Game Mix
Game Mix allows you to play a series of games in one session, the only caveat being they must use the same phone orientation. This is my favorite way to play.
Stats
You can restart or end the game at any time. You can see your previous scores for that particular game or an updated leaderboard to see how you rank.
Challenges
You can create your own challenge on the app and share it with others or choose to keep it private. You can also join an existing challenge. There’s something for everyone, from new users to advanced users.
What is the Proper Form for the Stealth Trainer?
Make sure to have good posture while holding a plank. Hold your shoulders and elbow in line with the pivoted base.
Depending on your fitness level, you may choose to do a plank in one of the following ways:
- Beginner/ Intermediate: half-plank position with your feet and knees on the ground
- Advanced: full plank position with your legs held off the floor. You can keep your feet closer together (harder) or adjust them to be more hip-width apart (easier).
You can also find helpful videos in the Facebook Group. There’s even an album entitled “Proper Stealth Form.”
Which Muscles Does the Stealth Core Trainer Work?
The plank is one of the most popular core workouts for a reason. It is a full-body exercise that targets the upper body, core, and lower body.
Core muscles include the abs, obliques (side abdominal muscles), transverse abdominis (that wraps around your spin and sides), and also your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and lower back.
A strong core is essential for good posture, balance, stability, injury prevention, and athletic performance. A weak core can also lead to back pain as you are overworking the wrong muscles.
Who is the Stealth Core Trainer Best For?
The Stealth Core Trainer is perfect for those new to working out or those who regularly exercise. Stealth claims that you can see results in less than three minutes per day. While this may be true, it’s never the only exercise I do in a day so it’s hard to gauge it. I regularly strength train, do Peloton workouts, and walk.
Plus, you’ll need to lose belly fat (a constant struggle of mine) via a healthy diet to see your ab muscles.
If you’re like me and grew up on video games, you’ll enjoy the Stealth.
Pros and Cons of the Stealth Core Trainer
Pros
Some of the benefits of using the Stealth Core Trainer include:
- Great community of motivating users
- Tons of free challenges
- Fun games for every interest level
- The ability to earn badges and streaks much like Peloton for to celebrate consistency and achievements
- Great entry point for those new to exercise
- Stealth Core offers a 60-day 100% money-back guarantee
- Affordable
Cons
Some of the disadvantages of the Stealth Core Trainer include:
- You could get hurt and not build up your core muscles with improper form
- While core training is important, you should also strength train and do regular cardio workouts
- You can plank for free without an app
Helpful Tips
Here are some things I’ve learned along the way:
- Start with the free games. They may be enough for you.
- Place a workout mat underneath the Stealth to prevent sliding.
- Wear proper shoes or go barefoot. The first time I used it, I wore only socks and went sliding into my Peloton bike. Ouch.
- Place the Stealth Core Trainer somewhere where you can see it. I have the same theory for people starting off with the Peloton. Make it a visual reminder.
- If you can, use a mirror to study your form. Proper form is everything and you could potentially hurt yourself taking shortcuts. This is one of the reasons I love my Peloton Guide.
- Use the leaderboard or don’t. I ignore it.
Final Thoughts: Is the Stealth Core Trainer Worth It?
While you can do planks on your own anywhere (in your living room, gym, or even outside) without any workout device, the right type of equipment can make a difference.
For me, there are some standouts with this interactive core trainer. First of all, it’s fun. And fun motivates me like nothing else. Plus, I’m a sucker for badges.
Next, it’s challenging. I work out regularly and can hold a plank for quite a while but using the Stealth Core Trainer is way harder and quite exhausting.
It’s very well-made and I can see it lasting for years to come. Over the years, the app has gotten better with improvements to the games themselves and ease of use. Now that Stealth has added other products to its line, I can see this company growing in popularity.
Finally, compared to other workout products on the market, I think it’s priced fairly, especially if you consider the community support, app, coaches’ instructional videos, challenges, and free games.
Have you tried out the Stealth Core Trainer? Do you have any questions? Let us know in the comments.
Michelle Platt is a content creator and certified personal trainer. Proving it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, she’s a former attorney and teacher who loves to do the research so you don’t have to. She takes a deep dive into each topic and writes about her wellness journey here. She loves trying out new workouts, fitness tips, healthy foods, and products to share with you. This native New Yorker recently made the move to the suburbs of Minneapolis, where she lives with her husband, two kids, and two dogs.