Stimulating Core Exercises 

While a ripped beach body is all the incentive many individuals need for doing core exercises, there are many other reasons why it's important to maintain a strong core.

The core is constantly assisting other muscles as they function, whether it's housework, yard duties, sports or climbing stairs, your core is providing support and balance for you. 

If you dread the idea of doing tons of crunches to strengthen your core muscles -- welcome to the club. However, there are a variety of other core exercises that can strengthen your abs, hips, glutes, and lower back better than crunches or sit-ups.

Core Exercises

Using core exercises like the ones we have listed below will dramatically improve the strength and tone of your entire midsection and improve your posture at the same time.

T -Stabilization 

This exercise works all the core muscles, including your abs, back and hips.

Exercise Instructions:

• Start in a push-up position with your body in a straight line.
  
  
• Engage your abs and shift all of your weight to one hand as you lift the other hand off the floor.
  
  
• Rotate your body as you form a 'T" with your free hand reaching straight up in the sky.
  
  
• Pause for a couple of seconds before you lower back down to the starting position and repeat the exercise on your other side.

Plank into Row

The plank is one of the best full body core exercises available. Adding the dumbbells will strengthen the shoulders and lats even more.

This can be a difficult exercise at first, so start with lighter weights. The wider you place your feet, the more stability you will have.

Exercise Instructions:

• Begin in a plank position holding on to the dumbbells.
  
  
• Tighten your core and pull the weight up with your right hand up toward your chest making sure to keep your back straight.
  
  
• Return to the starting position and repeat on your left side.

Tips: You can extend a leg straight back to make the exercise slightly more challenging.

Twisting Lunge

The twisting lunge stretches and strengthens muscles throughout the entire body. It's a great calorie burning exercise that you can do anywhere.

Exercise Instructions:

• Stand with feet shoulder-width apart holding a medicine ball in front of you at about chest level.
  
  
• Step forward with your left foot into a lunge. Make sure your knee is directly above your calf in a straight line down. 
  
  
• Twist your upper body to the left, try and keep your shoulders as squared up as possible with the ball.
  
  
• Pause for a 4-5 count and twist back to a straight position.
  
  
• Return to your starting position and repeat the exercise on your right side.

• More on Weighted Squats

Pike Plank

Exercise Instructions:

• Begin in push-up position on the exercise ball. Slowly walk your hands back towards your feet, lifting your butt into downward facing dog position.
  
  
• Hold the position for a count and then step your feet back into basic push up position. Repeat by walking your hands toward your feet until you've complete the desired number of reps.

Other pages that might interest you:

• Exercise Ball Core Exercises
• Yoga Ab Poses 

I will continue to share ideas about diet and exercise that have helped me along the way. If you have any questions I can help you with, or ideas you would like to share, feel free to contact me or visit our Q&A forum