There are a range of benefits in building core strength, including:
- Improved posture
- Flat abs
- Reduced likelihood of low back pain and injury
- Better sport and fitness performance
- Reduced hamstring and hip flexor tightness
- Improved balance and movement control
Fore core training to be effective, it has to be done properly. Core exercises done with bad technique don’t challenge the right muscles and, even worse, can cause back strain. All the workouts below have full exercise instructions, which you should make sure you follow carefully for safety and effectiveness.
10 best workouts for building core strength
#1 Core exercises for beginners
The best place to start building core strength. This workout starts with the basic principle of maintaining neutral pelvis and covers some beginner exercises.
#2 Best core exercises
Do this workout as follow on for #1, or if you’ve already done some core exercise.
#3 Waist toning challenge
A 30 day challenge which focuses on the oblique muscles, the middle two layers of the abdominal wall. It’s standing workout with handweights.
#4 Mat Pilates
An introduction to Pilates , which is an exercise system that has a strong focus on pelvic alignment and core stability.
#5 Basic Pilates 4 week course
This program goes a bit further that #4. The program lasts 4 weeks, building on core strength each week.
#6 Plank sticker challenge
The plank is a very popular exercise, but has its limitations – as explained in the post. The 30 day challenge printable is in the form of a sticker for each day, but you can also use it as an ordinary full sheet printable.
#7 Elbow plank challenge
An alternative plank challenge to #6, using 2 variations of the standard plank.
#8 Stability ball challenge
Stability balls are very effective for building core strength. As well as the challenge, the post includes a stability ball buying guide.
#9 Ab exercises circuit
This circuit includes exercises for all the layers of the abdominal wall.
#10 Pilates roll up
A step by step guide to mastering the classic Pilates roll up. The roll is very effective when done properly. However, there are several factors involved in being able to do it effectively. The post addresses each one individually and then puts them all together.
Related to building core strength – more abs workouts
