Having a strong core is essential for overall physical health and well-being. As an exercise physiologist, I often recommend certain exercises to my clients who are looking to strengthen their core muscles.
These exercises, when done regularly and correctly, can help provide the strength and stability needed to maintain proper posture, balance, and coordination throughout daily activities.
In this article, I will discuss the best exercises for achieving a strong and healthy core.
Planks
Planks are the foundation of core stability and strength. Like a bridge that connects two sides, planks link your upper body with your lower body to create balance and posture control. @To perform this exercise correctly is like weaving a tight spider web – you need all components working in unison for maximum effect.
Start by lying on your stomach, with elbows tucked in close to the rib cage and palms flat against the ground. In one powerful motion, press up onto toes and forearms so that the spine forms a straight line from head to toe. This will engage the entire midsection as well as shoulders, back, glutes and hamstrings – creating total body tension required for optimal form and power output during any physical activity.
Hold this position for 20 seconds or more depending on fitness level; breathing deeply throughout the movement to maintain steady concentration and focus while keeping abdominals engaged at all times.
The plank may seem simple but it’s deceivingly difficult! The key is proper technique combined with ample amounts of practice for awesome results – improved posture, increased flexibility and strengthened muscles around the torso area.
When done right, planks can provide an effective workout that yields lasting benefits in our daily lives outside of just exercising.
Crunches
The plank is a great way to build core strength, but it’s not the only exercise that can help you achieve strong and healthy abs. Crunches are another classic go-to for many people looking for an effective abdominal workout.
When done correctly, crunches can be a powerful tool in strengthening your abdominal muscles and improving overall core stability. To perform a crunch properly, start by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
Place your hands behind your head or cross them over your chest – whatever feels more comfortable. Exhale as you lift your torso off the floor while contracting your abdominals. Your lower back should remain pressed against the floor throughout the entire range of motion, so keep that in mind when performing this exercise.
Hold yourself at the top of the movement for one second before slowly returning to the starting position. Make sure you’re engaging those abdominal muscles during each rep! Once you’ve mastered crunches, you’ll want to move on to bird dogs as part of your routine.
Bird dog exercises focus on developing balance and coordination between opposing muscle groups – making them perfect for building core stability.
Bird Dogs
Bird Dogs are a great exercise for strengthening the core and can provide a variety of benefits.
They can be modified to suit all fitness levels, making them an accessible exercise for everyone.
Variations of the Bird Dog can target different muscles, allowing for a more comprehensive workout.
I’d recommend getting started with the basic Bird Dog, then working up to more challenging variations as your core strength improves.
Bird Dog Benefits
The bird dog exercise is an excellent way to improve your core stability and strength!
This dynamic drill can help you build a strong foundation of support throughout your spine, hips, and shoulders.
It will also work on strengthening the powerful muscles in your midsection that are so important for proper posture and balance.
Not only does it promote good form when lifting weights or performing other physical activities, but it’s great for injury prevention as well; by regularly engaging these key stabilizing muscles, you’ll reduce the risk of common strains and sprains.
So why not give this wonderful exercise a try today?
You’ll be amazed at how quickly you start feeling stronger with improved core stability!
Bird Dog Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic bird dog exercise, why not try some variations? Adding a stability ball can increase the challenge and help strengthen your core even further.
For example, start in the traditional four-point kneeling position with one hand on top of the ball. Then slowly extend one arm forward while extending the opposite leg behind you. Hold for a few seconds before returning to the starting point. You’ll feel this one working those deep stabilizing muscles!
If you’re looking for an additional balance challenge, side bridges are also great. Start by lying down on one side with legs extended straight out in front of you and arms bent at 90 degrees near your head.
Push up onto your elbow so that only feet and torso touch the ground then hold for as long as possible without allowing hips or shoulders to sag or twist; switch sides when done.
Your body will be thanking you for all this extra work! These unique exercises offer lots of fun ways to target those important core stabilizers – give them a try today and watch your strength levels soar!
Supermans
The Supermans exercise is a great way to build core conditioning and stability. Picture yourself lying face-down on the floor with your arms extended in front of you, palms facing down.
Slowly lift both legs and arms off the ground at the same time, creating an ‘X’ shape with your body for several seconds before returning to the starting position. This will help strengthen your entire core as well as increase balance and coordination. It can also aid in improving posture by strengthening upper back muscles that are often overlooked when it comes to traditional exercises.
Next up, let’s work on some core stabilization with Russian twists!
To begin this exercise, sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat while holding a medicine ball or dumbbell weight close to your chest. Keeping your back straight and abs tight, slowly twist from side to side without moving any other part of your body.
Make sure to breathe throughout this movement and feel those obliques working hard during each repetition!
For maximum impact, focus on keeping good form during each exercise: keep your movements fluid but controlled; tense your abdominal muscles; hold yourself steady; move slowly through each rep until reaching full extension – these are all important points to keep in mind while targeting our core strength.
With regular practice of these two simple yet highly effective exercises, you’ll be able to dramatically improve not just how strong your core is but how confident you feel about being able to take control of every situation life throws at you!
Now let’s move on to Russian Twists…
Russian Twists
Russian Twists are an excellent exercise for strengthening the core muscles. They target multiple muscle groups, including your abdominal and oblique muscles, as well as your hip flexors.
To perform this movement effectively, begin by sitting on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Keep your back straight and shoulders rolled slightly backward. Place a weight or medicine ball in both hands at chest level then rotate to one side of your body while keeping your arms extended. Hold this position briefly before rotating to the other side and repeating the same motion.
To increase the intensity of Russian Twists, you can add resistance bands around your wrists or ankles or hold heavier weights in each hand during each repetition. You can also combine it with complementary exercises such as hip bridges or reverse curls to further engage core muscles and maximize results.
Regularly incorporating Russian Twist into your workout routine will help improve overall strength and stability in the trunk area of your body while helping you build stronger abs and obliques over time. Furthermore, they’re easy to modify based on fitness level so any exerciser can benefit from them regardless of their experience level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Time Should I Spend On Each Core Exercise?
Time is of the essence when it comes to training your core, so you should spend as much time on each exercise as’s necessary for you to see results.
As an exercise physiologist, I would suggest incorporating functional training and stability ball exercises into your routine.
When using these exercises, aim for 30-45 seconds per set with a rest period in between sets lasting no more than 60 seconds.
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day – but with dedication and consistency, you will be able to achieve a strong and healthy core.
How Many Days A Week Should I Be Doing Core Exercises?
When it comes to core exercises, you should aim for 3 days a week. This will ensure that you’re targeting the necessary muscles without causing any strain or injury.
However, feel free to add in extra days if needed and your body feels up for it! It’s important to listen to what your body needs, so don’t overdo it.
Make sure you take rest days as well – allowing yourself enough time off is just as important as getting into a routine.
Should I Do Core Exercises Before Or After Strength Training?
When it comes to core exercises, there is no definitive answer as to whether they should be done before or after strength training. It all depends on the individual and their goals.
Pros of doing core exercises before strength training include increased muscle activation in multiple muscle groups and improved stabilization benefits for larger compound movements such as squats and deadlifts.
On the other hand, if your goal is to increase muscular endurance, then performing core exercises after a workout may be beneficial.
Ultimately, you need to experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you.
What Is The Best Way To Progress With Core Exercises?
Stretching can provide numerous benefits to your core, but if you’re looking for the best way to progress with core exercises, having access to beneficial equipment is essential.
From medicine balls and resistance bands to stability balls and sliders, a variety of tools are available that allow you to challenge yourself in new ways as you grow stronger.
It’s important to remember though; to start slow when progressing through different exercises and gradually increase intensity over time.
This will help ensure that your body has the opportunity to adjust safely while still achieving great results.
Are There Any Other Core Exercises I Should Add To My Routine?
When it comes to your core routine, functionality-based and stability-focused exercises should be included to build a strong and healthy foundation.
To supplement these primary exercises, you can add:
- Unilateral movements such as single arm/leg planks, dead bugs, side bridges, or bird dogs for improved balance.
- Anti-rotation holds like Pall of press variations or band pull apart.
- Hip mobility drills including clam shells or supine hip abduction.
Incorporating all of these exercises into your routine will help ensure that you are strengthening the muscles around your spine while also focusing on flexibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, core exercises are key to developing a strong and healthy body.
To get the most out of your routine, spend 15-20 minutes on core exercises 3 days a week before or after strength training – whichever works best for you.
As with any fitness program, it’s important to challenge yourself by increasing difficulty as you progress.
Keep in mind that variety is the spice of life; don’t be afraid to add new core exercises into your rotation every few weeks.
Remember: ‘No pain, no gain!’
With regular commitment and dedication to your core workouts, you’ll see results in no time!
References
Örgün, E., Kurt, C., & Özsu, İ.. (2020, September 9). The effect of static and dynamic core exercises on dynamic balance, spinal stability, and hip mobility in female office workers. Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 66(3), 271-280. https://doi.org/10.5606/tftrd.2020.4317
Core exercises: Why you should strengthen your core muscles – Mayo Clinic. (n.d). https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/core-exercises/art-20044751