Home Workouts for Improving Core Strength

Your core is among the most important sections of your body to work on for a number of reasons. From improving balance and dexterity to building those oh-so-important six-pack abs.  And your core makes up a larger amount of your body-mass then you might expect – basically everything that isn’t a limb is part of your core. In order to develop the many muscles that make up your core, you need to pick the right exercises that will cover the proper muscle groups. Read on for the top core exercises that can be done anywhere.

Plank

The plank is a deceptively simple exercise to perform, and many despise it. This is a favorite of gym teachers and coaches, so many are familiar with its difficulty. However, that difficulty is why it is so useful for exercise.

To perform a plank properly, you need to lay down on the floor – or exercise mat – and support your body weight with just your forearms and toes. Keeping your body straight in this position takes very firm core muscles and good posture.

Side Plank Crunch

This is a focused exercise that provides your obliques with a tougher workout, requiring balance and strength. This is excellent for seeking a more mobile core workout, as well as supporting any activity that requires rotation of the upper body – Tennis, climbing, and more.

To perform a side plank crunch, you’ll want to take a knee and place one hand on the ground while the other is straight upwards – your body will form an angled ‘T’ shape. Then slowly try and bring your upper knee to your chest and the same side’s elbow to the knee. Switch sides after 10 or so repetitions.

Glute Bridge

Though the Glute bridge largely focuses on the glutes, you’ll find this engages all of your lower core as well, engaging a similar muscle group to the squat. However, this might be better if you struggle with joint pains thanks to the angle and distribution of weight.

To perform a glute bridge, lay on your back and bend your knees while keeping your feet flat to the ground. From this position, lift your hips up while engaging your glutes and hold for at least 5 seconds before returning to rest.