What is it?

The Human Touch Board involves standing on a motorised skateboard-sized platform and trying to stay upright while it wobbles about. It's like surfing but without the need for sea, sunscreen or shark alarms. The manufacturers say the movements are designed to give your core muscles a deep workout, as well as your buttocks and inner thighs. They claim you can get the body you want by using the board for 15 minutes twice a day for at least six weeks.

Practicalities

It comes with three settings to help build up your fitness levels from beginner to advanced. If you have never surfed, be warned: your leg muscles will ache after the first few times you use it.

Is it safe?

Knee and ankle injuries, which are common in real surfers, could also become an issue for those who already have a weakness in those areas. And those with balance problems may also suffer. "But apart from falling off, there doesn't seem to be much to be wary of in terms of injuries," says John Aldcroft, a personal trainer and self-defence instructor.

Anything else?

There are no fitness chains offering classes yet, so you get to fall off your own board in the safety and privacy of your own home. You can order one for £399 from humantouchboard.co.uk or call 0844 888 0456

Expert view

Aldcroft says any exercise that involves rotational movement is great for the core stability muscles. "It will not," he says, "provide a great cardio-vascular workout because you are in a static position. However, building muscle has a fat-burning effect as muscle burns more calories than fat, even when you're not exercising."

Final verdict

A novel way to tone the abdomen, bottom and legs without having to say "dude".