Stronger Abs at Home: 5 Simple Core Exercises That Really Work

It

is important to have a strong core, which offers numerous benefits for athletes, desk workers, those who work on their feet, children, and even older adults. Core strength is not just for those involved in sports and recreation. And so, a few of the best exercises for a stronger core are the best way to not just be fit but also strong. According to experts, you can add a mix of all of these workouts for a proper exercise regimen that would benefit.

Five exercises for a strong core

Crunches

Crunches – also known as V sit-ups- strengthen your abs, which improve balance and posture and reduce back pain. They help build muscle definition, boost athletic performance, and are a low-impact, accessible exercise that does not need any expensive equipment. Follow these steps to perform the move:

• Sit so your thighs and upper torso form a V-shape, with your lower legs crossed and lifted. Hold a dumbbell between both hands.
• Swivel left to the right and back and bring the ball across your body while maintaining the V-shape.
• Do three sets of 15 repetitions three to four times weekly.

Donkey kickbacks

Donkey kickbacks help build stronger and toned glutes along with the core, which helps improve posture and enhance hip stability – reducing back pain and boosting athletic performance. They support better balance and movement, making them ideal for activating dormant glutes from prolonged sitting. This simple, equipment-free exercise also engages hamstrings, shoulders, and lower back stabilizers, increasing overall body control and power for daily activities and sports. Follow these steps to perform the move:

• Kneel on all fours, keeping your toes tucked under.
• Keep your back neutral. Draw your belly toward your spine as you contract your abs and lift both knees about two inches off the ground.
• Keep your core engaged and bring your right knee to your nose.
• Kick your right leg straight out behind you and keep your lower abs contracted and your hips facing the ground to protect your back.
• Repeat four to five times and switch legs to repeat.

Jumping Jacks

While jumping Jacks provide a full body workout, they also build your muscle strength, increase bone density, and enhance coordination and balance – along with a strong core area. They are an accessible exercise that you can do anywhere and burn a lot of calories. Here's how to do it:

• Stand straight
• Hop your legs apart, then hop them back together, then apart again.
• Stand with your legs apart and reach your left hand to the right for a side bend.
• Hop your legs together again and repeat the sequence on the other side. That's one rep, which you need to do at least four times.

The Hundreds

Doing The Hundreds – a Pilates move helps build balance, improves posture, boosts athletic performance – along with preventing injuries, especially on your back, and enhancing daily movement by stabilizing your trunk. It connects your upper and lower body for efficient power transfer and better body alignment. A strong core, encompassing abs, back, hips, and pelvis, supports your spine, reduces strain, and improves overall functional strength for activities from lifting to standing tall. To do it, you need to:

• Lie on your back and lift your legs around 45 degrees off the floor.
• Squeeze your abs and lift your head and shoulders off the ground.
• Pump your arms at least 100 times.

Boat pose

It is a yoga move – also known as Navasana, which strengthens the core, tones the legs, enhances digestion, boosts metabolism, and improves spinal flexibility. Here's how to do it:

• Sit with your feet on the floor, knees bent, and hands beneath your knees for support. Keep your chest lifted and your shoulders back, and engage your ab muscles.
• Raise your lower legs until they are parallel to the floor, and you are balancing on your sitting bones. Your knees should still be bent.
• Hold for five to 15 breaths, then release. Repeat up to five times.
• Start by straightening your legs and extending your arms forward if this feels comfortable. Stop if you feel discomfort in your back.