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Besides building rock hard abs, regular core exercise can improve your balance and stability.
A strong core can help the muscles in your pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen work in harmony, leading to improved posture. With these benefits in mind, regular core work should be incorporated into your training routine.
So, grab a mat and try these quick four core crushing exercises for a stronger and more defined core.
PLANKS
Make sure your wrists are under shoulders when legs are extended fully and body forms a straight line from shoulders to heels. Balance on balls of feet, keep abs engaged, and gaze slightly forward. Hold this position.
Good for: transverse abs
SEATED ROTATION
Sit on the floor and lean upper body back until abs are engaged. Legs should be bent at 90 degrees with heels off the mat, and arms should be bent, hands clasped, with elbows wide. Once you're in the position, rotate torso slowly from right to left and left to right.
Good for: obliques
SIDE PLANKS
Start lying on side with right forearm flat on the floor and both legs extended. Body should form a straight line from head to feet, which are either stacked or staggered. Engage core and lift hips up. Hold for 30 seconds before repeating on the other side.
Good for: obliques, transverse abs, rectus abdominis
SCISSOR KICKS
Perform alternating leg lifts while lying on your back, engaging the core and maintaining straight knees, to target the abdominal muscles and improve core strength.
Good for: transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, obliques, and hip flexors