While ab exercises are an essential part of any fitness routine, focusing on just your abdominals is, well, one-sided-literally. They only take care of one part of a much larger muscle group: your core.
Core exercises are exercises that target the muscles of the abdomen and back. Core muscles are essential for maintaining good posture and stability in the body and providing the strength needed for daily activities such as lifting and carrying.
Core exercises can help improve balance and stability and reduce the risk of back and neck injuries. Core exercises can also help improve the entire body's functioning, as they use multiple muscles and joints together, encouraging greater coordination and building overall strength. In addition, core exercises can help increase endurance, improve body composition, and assist in injury prevention.
Here is a list of our favorite core exercises.
The Plank
This static exercise focuses on maintaining a neutral posture while engaging and toning your abdominal muscles, hips, and glutes.
To perform the plank
Bird-dogs
Another excellent core exercise works your entire body and strengthens your spine, abdominals, and glutes.
To perform a bird-dog
Russian Twists
An excellent exercise for toning your abdominal muscles, as well as your obliques.
To perform a Russian twist
These are just a few exercises you can use to strengthen your core. As with any exercise routine, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity as you become comfortable with each movement. Consult your doctor or physical therapist before beginning any exercise program.