Core is usually one of those things you either love or hate to train. No matter your feelings towards core exercises, strengthening these muscles is a key part of a well-balanced workout routine.
Check out some of my favorite core strengthening exercises below!
Plank Jacks
Tips: Begin in a high plank position. Keep core engaged, making sure not to let your hips sink or raise. Jump both feet out as if doing a jumping jack, making sure to keep core continuously engaged throughout the entire motion. Hop feet back into starting position at high plank.
Level: Intermediate
Bird Dog
Tips: Begin in table top position. Shoulder and wrists in alignment, knees and hips in alignment, with a neutral spine. Extend right arm out so your bicep is near your ear while also extending your left leg out long. Use your core muscles to help stabilize you as you draw both your extended arm and leg in towards your midline. Repeat on the other side.
Level: Beginner
Hip Dips
Tips: Begin in forearm plank position with elbows and shoulders in alignment. Engage your core muscles as you rotate your hips from left to right as if to tap the floor with your hip bone.
Level: Intermediate
High Boat to Low Boat
Tips: Begin in boat pose with legs lifted off the ground and calves parallel with the floor. Core should be fully engaged in order to keep you in an upright position. Make sure chest is open and shoulder blades drawn together. Lower your upper and lower body slowly until back and feet are hovering over the mat. Use your abdominal muscles to pull you back up into the start position, then repeat.
Level: Intermediate
Plank Shoulder Taps
Tips: Begin in a high plank position with wrists and shoulders in alignment. Keeping your hips as still as you can, touch your right hand to your left shoulder. Return back to high plank, then touch your left hand to your right shoulder. Make sure hips stay level.
Level: Intermediate
Hollow Body Rock
Tips: Start by laying with your back on the mat. Contract your abs and press your lower back to the mat as you raise your arms above your head and feet off the ground. Slowly rock back and forth while keeping your core and leg muscles in a flexed position. Make sure to keep your head in a neutral position, not straining your neck.
Level: Intermediate
Did you give these core exercises a try? Let me know in the comments below your thoughts!
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