Health Fitness & Exercise 6 Crunch-Free Core Exercises to Fire Up Your Abs Tone these important muscles—they're the ones that help you stand up straight. By Lisa Kovalovich Whitmore Lisa Kovalovich Whitmore Lisa Kovalovich Whitmore was senior editor of health and beauty at Real Simple for six years. Since 2014, she has been a freelance writer and an English teacher at Middletown Township Public Schools in New Jersey. Highlights: * Beauty editor at Glamour * Beauty editor at Twist Magazine * Freelance beauty editor at Marie Claire * Senior editor, beauty and health, at Real Simple * In 2014, became a teacher and freelance writer Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 28, 2023 Fact checked by Emily Peterson Fact checked by Emily Peterson Emily Peterson is an experienced fact-checker and editor with Bachelor's degrees in English Literature and French. Our Fact-Checking Process Share Tweet Pin Email For deep strength and stability through your entire trunk, do this 15-minute core workout three or four times a week. Khosrow Rajab Kordi/Getty Images 01 of 07 The Routine Exercising your core muscles—which includes everything from your back to your hips to your obliques to your deep transverse abdominis—is seriously important. Strong abdominal and back muscles are essential for doing everyday tasks, like lifting a 20-pound toddler and putting away groceries, not to mention preventing an achy (or injured) back and maintaining good posture all day. Break out of (boring) crunch mode and power up your trunk with this Pilates-inspired core exercise routine, created by Kit Rich, NASM-certified personal trainer and Pilates instructor in Los Angeles. Complete this workout set three to four times a week for stronger, sturdier midsection. Balance Declines as We Age—Here Are 8 Helpful Exercises for Lasting Stability 02 of 07 Knee Fold Tuck Jason Lee (A) Sit tall, hands on floor, knees bent, squeezing a playground ball (or rolled up towel) between them. (B) Lift knees toward chest so shins are nearly parallel to the floor; extend arms straight out. Pull knees toward shoulders, keeping upper body still. Bring knees back to starting position. Repeat 15 to 20 times. 03 of 07 Climbing Rope Jason Lee (A) Sit with legs extended, feet turned out in a V-position, toes pointed. Engage core muscles (helps to exhale) and roll spine slightly down into a C-curve. (B) Lift arms up and begin moving them as if you were climbing a rope. Twist slightly with each reach. Do 20 reaches with each arm. 5 Oblique Exercises for Stronger Core and Spine Support 04 of 07 Side Balance Crunch Jason Lee (A) Begin with left knee and left hand on the floor, right arm straight up. Extend right leg so your body forms a straight line. (B) Pull right knee toward torso and right elbow toward knee. Straighten arm and leg. Repeat 10 times, then switch sides. 05 of 07 Circle Plank Jason Lee Start in a plank position with abs engaged (imagine drawing belly button into spine). (A) Pull right knee in toward chest and circle it clockwise. (B) Repeat in a counterclockwise direction. Keep the rest of your body stationary. Repeat five times, then switch legs. This 10-Minute Plank Workout Will Fire Up Your Core With Just 5 Moves 06 of 07 Sliding Pike Jason Lee (A) Begin in a plank on an uncarpeted floor, hands under shoulders and a towel under feet. (B) With legs straight, raise hips and draw legs toward hands into a pike position—your feet should slide easily. Hold for one count, then return to start. Repeat 10 times. How to Do a Plank 07 of 07 Oblique Reach Jason Lee Sit with knees bent and feet on floor. (A) Keeping knees aligned, straighten right leg. Engage core and roll spine into a slight C-curve. Place left hand behind head and extend right arm. (B) Twist body to the left, roll back a bit more (and hold for one count), then come up. Do five reps, then switch sides. Just 3 Minutes of Exercise Can Boost Your Health—Here Are 7 Mini Moves to Try Throughout the Day Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit