Core Workout Exercises

Mind is All

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. The following core exercises will get you in tip top shape.

You know you hate them, but they're so very good for you: the dreaded sit ups and crunches. These two oldies but goodies will make a difference. As you lift and lower your body (full extensions for sit ups, small lifts for crunches), use your fingertips to cradle your neck and always use slow, controlled movements to lift and lower without straining your body.

Pretend to ride your bicycle for a great ab and oblique workout. Start out in the same position as a traditional sit up, but lift your legs in the air and bend them at 90-degree angles. Lift your upper body and touch your opposing elbow and 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. Press your lower back into the ground, engage your core muscles, and lift your legs until your body looks like the letter L. Now lower them to the ground, slowly, feeling the tension in your abdomen as your core muscles fight to keep your legs from reaching the ground.

Performing the plank exercise will tighten those abs right up. 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. Stay in that plank position for an extended hold, and then let yourself relax into the beginning position and take a short break before doing it again.

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.