Core Exercise – 12 Awesome Workouts

If you are looking for the optimal exercises to strengthen and tone you core, look no further. We have supplied ten of the most beneficial exercises available. Each provides a comprehensive workout for your abs, while toning your mid section. Use these techniques to kick up the pace when working your core.

1. Knee Fold Tuck

Core Exercise
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Knee fold tucks are easy a abdominal exercise which give your core a fantastic workout. Holding similarity to crunches, this exercise is just as taxing on your abs. Ensure that you lift your legs off the ground before stretching them out completely. Point your toes while extending your arms forward. Hold this position for up to three seconds. Do not allow your chin to touch your chest when bringing your elbows do beyond a 45 degree angle. This exercise works both your lower and upper abdominal muscles in a balanced manner.

2. Climbing Rope

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This exercise works your core, arms and legs. It is also easy enough to perform anywhere, making it perfect for the home and office. To begin lie flat on the ground with your hands in the air. The position mimics pulling a rope. Lift yourself as if climbing a rope, while keeping your lower back pressed against the ground. From the moment that your back and shoulders lifts, it must not touch the ground. While ‘climbing the rope’ try to twist your body as much as possible. The upper body needs to be fully rotated. While performing this ab exercise, tuck your chin into your chest.

3. Side Balance Crunch

Core Exercise
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Side balance crunches are an effective exercise but a fairly advanced. It may take some practice to perfect this technique, but it is worth it. A mirror or training partner is helpful in spotting mistakes and correcting form. Keeping your body in a straight line is essential. Do not overextend yourself when lifting. The side balance crunch begins in a side elbow plank. Lift your right leg up and tilt your elbow lightly. Three sessions of ten reps are all you need to firm and tone your waist and abs.

4. Sliding Knee Tucks

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This exercise is should not be used on carpets, you are likely to injure yourself. It is best to exercise on a hard surface while using a cloth beneath each foot which slides freely. Sliding knee tucks exercises your core and arms. It is also a fantastic exercise for your lower back muscles. You will notice that sliding knee tucks need a lot of upper body strength. But if you can manage it, sliding knee tucks are excellent for your core. Begin in push up position and then slide your feet to beneath your buttocks. You then bend your knees towards your chest, while keeping your abs tight.

5. Single Leg Plank – The Army’s Core Exercise

Core Exercise
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The single leg plank is an exercise that is a favorite of military trainers around the world. It is one of the most effective core exercises available. Single leg planks are difficult to master but are well worth the effort. Maintaining balance can at times be tricky! When well executed, they work your deep abdominal muscles. This thus gives you much better back health. It also works your obliques, the body’s stabilizers. Start the technique in plank position. Maintain a flat back and tucked hips. Carefully lift one foot off the ground, gaining your balance. Slowly lower it back down, before performing the same motion with your other leg.

6. Bird Dog for Core Strength

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The ‘Bird Dog’ exercise is a challenging technique that gives your core a great workout. Lower yourself to your hands and knees. Remain on all fours, ensuring your abdominal muscles are tight. Hold your spine and neck in a neutral, comfortable position. Extend your left arm forward while extending your right leg backward. Keep your hips and shoulders square while not allowing your lower back to arch. Hold the position for five seconds, before alternating. Five to ten repetitions on each side of the body is optimal for most.

7. V-Ups

Core Exercise
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‘V-Ups’ are effective exercises for your core. Many find this technique easier to perform with a ball between their legs. Regular ‘V-Ups’ will grant you great core strength, while also improving your balance. To begin lie flat on the floor. Press your lower back into the ground while extending your arms behind your legs. Keep your feet positioned together and point your toes upward. In a single movement lift your legs up and raise your upper body. Touch your toes with your hands before squeezing your abs and lowering yourself down.

8. Glute Bridge

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The glute bridge is an effective workout for your core, buttocks and thighs. It is awkward for some to perform, but the workout is worth the effort. Due to the difficulty it is best to practice this at home before attempting it in public! Begin by lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet positioned flat on the ground. Slowly begin to raise your hips off the ground, forming a straight line from your shoulders to knees. Hold the position once reaching the top, before lowering yourself back down.

9. Wide Legged Cross Sit Ups

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Wide legged cross sit ups are a high intensity workout for your core. This exercise provides fantastic results, which will quickly make them a favorite workout. Wide legged cross sit ups help tone your abs and obliques. To begin lay on your back with your legs stretched before you. Spread your legs out before you. The space shoulder be wider than from shoulder to shoulder.

10. Superman

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The superman technique for building core strength can cause pain when first practicing it. This exercise is like a conventional plank but it works your back and core more. Take care not to bump your nose on the ground after releasing from a superman. Begin by laying on the ground with your arms stretched out before you. Lift your arms and legs, extending them above the ground and hold this pose for three seconds.