Ab workout

Want to do yoga better? Run faster? Squat heavier?

I haven't always loved abs exercises. My old routine of post-run crunches and planks was not it. Lately, I've found more motivating moves hi, practicing Pilates everyday and a kettlebell ab workout that make me look forward to my abs routine. It is possible. What I've learned along the way and trainers will agree, a strong core is always worth the effort and finding abs exercises you enjoy. It helps you squat heavy weights , improve your balance , hike up the stairs or a mountain with ease, run fast or long distances, and more.

Ab workout

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Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. Instructions: Choose three exercises from the list below. Trainer tip: You know planks, right?

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We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. A strong core is so important , not only to kick butt in the gym, but to move efficiently in daily life. A little consistency goes a long way! What are you waiting for? It can be easy to just go through the motions, but truly focusing on your core will only make these exercises more effective. It targets the rectus abdominis, or your six-pack muscles. A twist on the traditional plank exercise, an upward plank recruits your core just as effectively, especially your deep transverse abdominis muscles. This is a more challenging exercise.

Ab workout

Building your abs does more than just help you look toned. In fact, a strong core can improve posture, stability, and balance as well as reduce sports-related injuries and low back pain. The good news is you don't even need a gym membership to strengthen your core as most exercises that target your abs can be done at home. Here are Minno's favorite at-home ab workouts with step-by-step instructions on how to do them. Try doing three rounds of this workout series, two to three times a week to strengthen your entire core.

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Once you've completed all three, rest for 15 to 30 seconds, then repeat for 3 to 5 total rounds. And keep that tempo nice and slow. Do it: Lay face up on the floor with arms straight above your shoulders. My old routine of post-run crunches and planks was not it. Make it easier by keeping feet planted, or up the intensity by hovering feet or holding a weight with hands. Do 14 alternating reps to complete one set. It is possible. Why it rocks: This advanced move is a true test of core strength. Why it rocks: Yup, this workout makes your core seriously burn and gets your heart pumping, a combo that's sure to help you up your fitness game. This version of the squat targets the core, not the legs, and so you should be using far less weight than you would for a traditional back squat.

Renee Plant is a health and wellness freelance writer with a passion for delivering well-researched, factual content to readers. It's important to maintain a strong core, as it strengthens your lower back, improves your posture, and helps stabilize your entire body. Nearly all body movements originate from the core, so strengthening these muscles will increase your range of motion, as well as protect you from injury while performing everyday tasks.

Why it rocks: This advanced move is one of the most effective core burners you can do because it engages all the abs muscles simultaneously, You can do it all without neck strain, too. Next, simultaneously lower your left arm above your head while straightening your right leg and sending it towards the floor. Do it: Lay face up on the floor with arms straight above your shoulders. My old routine of post-run crunches and planks was not it. Do 12 reps for one set. Good for: obliques, transverse abs, rectus abdominis. By Tyler Chin. Repeat on the other side for one rep, and do five reps for one set. Why it rocks: This banded move comes with the added bonus of working your core and glutes. Good for: obliques. Your foot should be flexed as you kick back, and your palm should face in towards your body. Good for: rectus abdominis, transverse abs, obliques.