Searching for the magic formula to tighten stomach muscles?
Read up on expert-backed ways to get a stronger core, stat.
A strong (and engaged) core sustains all our movement throughout our lives."
Photography by Jena Cumbo.
Just double-check you’re working your abs and not your neck.
One way to do that is to pretend you have an orange tucked under your chin.
Plus, it reduces the tension on your back during core moves.
Add these core-strengthening exercises to your current fitness program or perform this circuit separately as your main core workout.
Remember towarm upand cool down for a few minutes to allow your heart rate to come down.
Focus on keeping your lower back pressed into the ground for maximum engagement.
Here’s how to do this exercise.
Don’t let it!
Instead, use your core to keep everything flat and steady on the mat.
Here’s how to do double leg circles.
Sprinter Crunch
Why it works:This abs exercise is a progression of the bicycle crunch.
The challenge comes from lifting your entire torso off the ground.
Here’s how to do the sprinter crunch.
It even challenges your glutes, hamstrings, and lower back muscles.
And as a bonus, it builds shoulder stability, too.
Here’s how it’s done.
Side Plank Knee to Chest
Why it works:On its own, the side plank challenges your balance.
Here’s how to do the side plank knee to chest.
This abs exercise also challenges your mobility and range of motion in your shoulder joint.
Here’s how to do the plank reach.
Here’s how it’s done.
“There are two categories of core exercisesanti-rotation and rotation,” explains Tang.
Regardless of which abs exercises you’re doing, focus oncore engagement, says Tang.
Where you feel it depends on the move’s anchor point.
For example, leg lifts engage more of the lower section since your upper body is against the floor.
(Here’s afull guide to your abs muscles, if you want an anatomic breakdown.)
