Core Workout Exercises

Do you want to strengthen your core muscles, but aren’t sure how? Improving core strength won't just make you look better; it'll also help you stand up straighter and maintain your balance. These core exercises will tighten your abs and improve your posture.

You know you hate them, but they're so very good for you: the dreaded sit ups and crunches. These two moves are reliable and effective. As you go through the lifting and lowering process (go all the way for every sit up, and go one third of the way for crunches), be certain to support your neck and lift slowly and smoothly, never jerking.

When you're sick of sit ups, move into the position to do the bicycle. Lie on the ground, but bend your knees and lift them in the air. Tense your abs, twist and engage your oblique muscles, and touch one elbow to the opposing knee. Then twist and touch the other opposing elbow and knee. Continue this movement in a smooth pattern.

Work your stomach by lifting and lowering your legs. Stay on your back, with your legs straight out and your arms by your side or extended. Tighten your core muscles and use them to slowly lift your legs into a letter L position, making sure to always keep your lower back pressed safely against the floor. Concentrating on your stomach muscles, slowly lower your legs until they touch the ground.

Work those abs by doing the plank exercise. Flip over onto your stomach. Lift your body as if you are doing a push up but hold the position, tensing your stomach muscles and keeping your body stiff as a board. Remain in this position until you can't any longer; ease yourself back into the starting position and rest.

This final exercise is a something you can do even while working, just by sitting on your trusty exercise ball. Make sure you use your core muscles to stay balanced as you work on your computer.