Core Workouts That Really Work

Mind is All

Do you want to strengthen your core muscles, but aren’t sure how? Core muscle strength is essential for good balance and posture. 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 stand bys are reliable as can be because they work your abs steadily. Make sure you ground your lower back, gently support your neck with your fingertips, and lift and lower slowly and steadily, without jerking, as you sit all the way up for sit ups and lift partway for crunches.

When you're sick of sit ups, move into the position to do the bicycle. 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 relax that side and lift the other elbow to the opposing knee. Keep alternating sides until you have a motion that feels kind of like bicycling going on.

Work your stomach by lifting and lowering your legs. Remain on your back, but stretch your legs out in front of your and palce your arms whereever comfortable. Keeping your lower back solidly on the ground, lift both legs, slowly, until they point to the ceiling. Concentrating on your stomach muscles, slowly lower your legs until they touch the ground.

Performing the plank exercise will tighten those abs right up. Lie on your stomach, with your hands under your shoulders. 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. Hold the position as long as you can; then slowly release down to the ground again.

This final exercise is a something you can do even while working, just by sitting on your trusty exercise ball. You’ll have to engage your core muscles all day in order to maintain your balance, which will strengthen your abs without your even realizing your doing it.