It is no secret that having strong core muscles is important for overall health and fitness. After all, these are the muscles that help to keep your spine and pelvis stable and support your trunk, whether you're sitting, standing, or moving.
But what are the best exercises to help you improve your core strength?
Here are a few of our favorites:
Planks
Planks are a great way to target your entire core, including your obliques (the muscles on the sides of your abdomen).
To do a plank, simply get into a push-up position, but rest your weight on your forearms instead of your hands. Keep your body in a straight line from your head to your ankles, and hold the position for as long as you can.
Pilates Scissor
The Pilates scissor is another great exercise for targeting your obliques.
To do this exercise, lie on your back with both legs in the air and your head and shoulders off the ground. Hold your right ankle as you lower your left leg toward the floor. Keep your abs pulled in tight, and switch legs.
Russian Twist
The Russian twist is a great exercise for working your obliques and your rectus abdominis (the "six-pack" muscle).
To do this exercise, sit on the ground with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Lean back a few inches and place your hands on the ground behind you. Lift your feet off the ground, and twist your torso to the right, then to the left.
Seated Russian Twist
This is a variation of the Russian twist that is a bit easier on the lower back.
To do this exercise, sit on the ground with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Lean back a few inches and place your hands on the ground behind you. Lift your feet off the ground, and twist your torso to the right, then to the left.
Reverse Crunch
The reverse crunch is a great exercise for targeting your lower abs.
To do this exercise, lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Place your hands on the floor beside you. Use your abs to curl your hips off the ground and towards your chest, then slowly lower them back to the starting position.
Crunches
Crunches are a classic core exercise, and for good reason - they work!
To do a crunch, lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Place your hands on the floor beside you. Use your abs to curl your head and shoulders off the ground, then slowly lower them back to the starting position.
Bicycle Crunches
Bicycle crunches are a variation of the classic crunch that targets your obliques.
To do this exercise, lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Place your hands on the floor beside you. Use your abs to bring your right knee toward your chest as you twist your torso and bring your left elbow toward your right knee. Return to the starting position, and repeat with the other leg.
Leg Lifts
Leg lifts are a great way to target your lower abs.
To do this exercise, lie on your back on the floor with your legs straight and your arms at your sides. Use your abs to lift your legs off the ground, then slowly lower them back to the starting position.
Pilates Roll-Up
The Pilates roll-up is a great exercise for working your entire core.
To do this exercise, lie on your back on the floor with your legs straight and your arms at your sides. Use your abs to curl your head and shoulders off the ground, then reach your arms toward your feet. Reverse the movement to return to the starting position.
Seated Russian Twist with Medicine Ball
This is a variation of the Russian twist that adds a bit of weight, making it a great exercise for building core strength.
To do this exercise, sit on the ground with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Hold a medicine ball in your hands, and lean back a few inches. Twist your torso to the right, then to the left.