Sometimes, consumers need something more challenging to get a satisfactory workout experience. Core sliders offer the perfect difficulty spike for fitness enthusiasts ready to take their workouts to the next level. These simple products can make regular workouts feel like early morning military drills, allowing consumers to strengthen their core and other body parts.
Core sliders may be simple, but businesses must consider various factors to ensure they choose the best options. This article will dive into the key things to look for in core sliders and it will offer essential tips to help retailers market them for more sales in 2024
Table of Contents
Core sliders: what are they, and why consumers need them
Key things consumers consider when buying core sliders
How to market core sliders successfully
In summary
Core sliders: what are they, and why consumers need them
Core sliders are simple, disc-shaped fitness tools with one smooth side and fabric on the other. The soft side glides easily on surfaces like carpet or hardwood, while the fabric side provides an impressive grip. Core sliders are popular for turning traditional exercises into challenging core workouts.
They make moves like planks, mountain climbers, and lunges far more difficult. However, this increased difficulty strengthens the user’s midsection, hips, and lower back. Also, core sliders are in high demand because they can handle massive varieties of exercises targeting the core, legs, arms, and shoulders.
Beyond the core, consumers need them to improve balance, flexibility, and coordination—while reducing the risk of injuries during workouts. Core sliders are small, lightweight, and affordable, making them a cost-effective way to attract those looking for accessible ways to make workouts much harder. They are also inexpensive to source, meaning business buyers can enjoy good potential profit margins.
Key things consumers consider when buying core sliders
Surface compatibility
Avoid purchasing core sliders without considering their surface compatibility. This factor directly impacts customers’ experience and the effectiveness of their workouts. Different surfaces need different slider material compatibility.
The fabric side of these sliders must provide enough grip for the user to perform exercises effectively. For example, sliders designed for carpets might not offer enough grip on hardwood floors, causing them to slip excessively and making exercises frustrating or impossible. In other words, sliders require a good grip to prevent falls.
This problem can be especially dangerous during exercises with dynamic movements or when consumers place weight on their hands for extra resistance. Remember that if a customer buys a slider and finds it doesn’t work well on their home floor, they are more likely to be dissatisfied and return it.
How can businesses address surface compatibility?
Ensuring surface compatibility for core sliders is quite simple. Start by stocking sliders designed for different surfaces, like carpeted floors, hardwood floors, and even yoga mats.
Then, let the buyers know which surfaces the sliders can work effectively on. This information should be clearly stated on the packaging or in the product description
N.B: For more value, consider offering combination packs with sliders designed for various surfaces to cater to a wide range of customers.
Types
Another way businesses can ensure surface compatibility is by understanding the different slider types. Some offer incredible versatility, while others provide a different way for consumers to engage their core. Here are some popular types retailers can consider stocking.
Standard dual-sided sliders
Dual-sided sliders are the most common type. Typically, they feature one smooth side for carpets and a fabric side for hard floors, like wood or tile. Their dual nature makes them incredibly versatile, allowing consumers to use these sliders on various surfaces and for different exercises.
Single-sided sliders
These sliders feature a smooth plastic bottom and can only be used on carpeted surfaces. Single-sided sliders are a budget-friendly option for customers who primarily work out on carpets.
Sliders with handles of straps
These types feature handles or straps for a better grip during moves like push-ups or planks. Sliders with handles can also handle more upper-body exercises safely than other types. Plus, in certain positions, these sliders can help avoid wrist strain.
Material
Slider material, especially the gliding surface, determines how smoothly the product moves on various surfaces. However, business buyers must understand that what works for one surface may not work well for the other. So, they must know the different materials of core sliders to make better purchase decisions. Here’s a breakdown of some common core slider materials to consider.
Gliding surface materials (smooth side of dual-sided sliders)
High-density plastic (HDPE) is the most common option for gliding surfaces. It offers a good balance of affordability, smoothness, and durability. Plus, HDPE works well on most surfaces. Polypropylene (PP) is another popular material known for being lightweight and relatively smooth. But, they may not be as grippy as HDPE on some carpets. Higher-end sliders often feature nylon for its smooth glide and excellent durability.
User interface (another side of dual-sided sliders)
EVA foam is the most used material for its superb comfort and grip. It’s ideal for exercises putting weight on hands or knees, but it can wear out or get dirty over time. Alternatively, polyester fabric offers a smoother, sweat-wicking surface for hands and feet, especially for carpeted surfaces. However, it’s not as comfortable for kneeling exercises. Some core sliders use silicone for the gliding surface and user interface, offering good grip and durability at a higher cost.
Size and shape
A core slider’s size and shape directly affect exercise stability. Larger sliders offer wider surface areas, which can be better for those focusing on balance exercises. Also, depending on the slider size, certain exercises may be easier or more challenging.
For example, lunges may become more manageable with standard-sized sliders, while wider oval sliders could be better for plank variations. Smaller sliders are also easier to store and take up less space in the customer’s home. Here’s a table outlining the different core slider sizes and their pros and cons.
| Size | Description | Pros | Cons |
| Standard discs (6 to 7-inch diameter | This size is the most common one. It also resembles a saucer. | This size is versatile, good for various exercises, compact and portable. | They may be less stable for some users. |
| Oval (8 to 10-inch diameter) | The elliptical shape is popular for its wider surface area. | This size is more stable and good for beginners or balance exercises. It may also have specific grip patterns. | Oval sliders take up more storage space and are less portable. |
How to market core sliders successfully
After gaining a deeper understanding of the core sliders, it’s essential to craft gripping market strategies with irresistible offers for consumers. Doing so will entice more buyers and boost sales.
Here are a few tips that can work:
In-store marketing
Tip #1: Create eye-catching displays
Create a dedicated core slider section with bold signage and demo videos on a small screen. Also, set up an interactive area where customers can try them out with example exercises.
Tip #2: “Feel the Burn” challenges
Host short in-store challenges with prizes. Organizing short challenges like most mountain climbers in 1 minute, longest-held plank, etc. This tactic creates a buzz and shows the slider’s effectiveness firsthand.
Tip # 3: Cross-promotion
Place sliders near yoga mats, resistance bands, and other home workout gear. Also, bundle them with different products, using cross-selling and up-selling techniques to offer a better value package.
Online marketing
Tip #1: Short how-to videos
Create quick videos showcasing various slider exercises targeting core strengthening and full-body benefits. Remember to highlight how sliders make basic moves more challenging, allowing you to burn more calories faster.
Tip #2: Social media contests
Use contests like “Show us Your Slide” to encourage customers to share photos or videos of them using sliders with a branded hashtag. Then, reward the most creative or challenging moves.
Tip #3: Influencer partnerships
Small fitness influencers can be great for demonstrating sliders in action for a relatable audience.
In summary
Sliders are small, affordable, and home gym game-changers. So, the sooner business buyers emphasize these benefits, the faster they will make more sales. However, marketing efforts for these products shouldn’t be only about the core.
Businesses must also emphasize that they make basic workouts more challenging—which is what more consumers desire, to burn more calories faster and increase muscle engagement. It is time for businesses to arm themselves with these tips and target the 9,900 people and more currently searching for core sliders in March 2024.
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