Top 10 Exercises to Strengthen the Core

DietsInReview

By Matt Johnson - DietsInReview.com

What makes up the core? The core is your body's center of gravity. You've probably heard this, but I would like to reiterate the importance of a strong and stable core. The core is made up of your abdominal, back, and lower back regions. A strong and stable core is vital for good balance, proper posture, and injury prevention.


  • A strong and stable core will help to stabilize the muscles involved with balance. These muscle regions also consist of the hips, hip flexors, abdominals, and other leg muscles.

  • Proper posture is important for so many reasons, especially as we age. Back pain, neck pain, and several other forms of pain can result from poor posture over the years.

  • Injury prevention is another worthwhile benefit of strengthening the core. Obviously not all injuries can be prevented, but most can be or the severity of the injury can be lessened.

I recommend working the core often, as much as five or six days a week if possible. I also recommend doing core as your workout's warm-up and cool-down. For athletes, a strong and stable core is vital for proper technique and helping the body not breakdown from all the contact and extra responsibilities placed on it.

Here are the top 10 core exercises you can use to strengthen and stabilize your core (see a video demonstration of each at DietsInReview.com). I recommend performing twenty to as many repetitions as you can for two to three sets and as often as you can.

  1. Bent Arm Side Bridge

  2. Bicycle Crunches

  3. Cable Crunch on Stability Ball

  4. Double Crunch on Bench

  5. Elbow Plank

  6. Roman Chair Straight Leg Raise

  7. Alternating Quadruped Lift with Opposite Side Arm and Leg

  8. Bridge on Stability Ball

  9. Isometric Bridge

  10. Superman with Opposite Side Arm and Leg on Stability Ball

Incorporating core strengthening work with regular cardio exercise and a low calorie diet will not only help your posture, balance and injury prevention, but are also the keys to creating a toned tummy perfect for bikini season.


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