Exercises to build a strong, stable, and functional core
Core exercises
Your core is more than just abs: it’s the foundation for nearly every movement your body makes. A strong core improves posture, protects your spine, and boosts performance in both workouts and daily life. Whether you're training for strength, endurance, or injury prevention, core exercises are essential for full-body control and long-term progress.
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90 Degree Alternate Heel Touch
The 90 Degree Alternate Heel Touch trains controlled side bending, helping improve core control and coordination through slow, precise movement.
90 Degree Heel Touch
The 90 Degree Heel Touch builds controlled side-to-side core tension, helping improve stability and coordination with simple, steady movement.
Alternate Heel Touchers
The Alternate Heel Touchers is a simple core exercise that builds control and endurance by using small side-to-side movements under tension.
Alternate Leg Raise
The Alternate Leg Raise is a controlled core exercise that builds strength and stability by lifting one leg at a time while staying steady.
Alternate Lying Floor Leg Raise
The Alternate Lying Floor Leg Raise builds core control by lifting one leg at a time while keeping the lower body stable on the floor.
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Back Extension On Stability Ball
The Back Extension on Stability Ball is a controlled bodyweight exercise that strengthens the lower back while improving balance and core control.
Bicycle Crunch
The Bicycle Crunch is a controlled core exercise that builds strength and coordination by combining rotation with alternating leg movement.
Bird Dog
The Bird Dog is a core stability exercise that improves balance, spinal control, and coordination using slow, controlled movements.
Cable Kneeling Crunch
The Cable Kneeling Crunch is a focused core exercise that uses cable resistance to build strong, controlled abdominal flexion.
Cocoons
Cocoons challenge your abs through controlled curling and extension, building core strength, stability, and body control.
Criss Cross Elbow To Knee
The Criss Cross Elbow to Knee trains your abs through controlled rotation, improving core strength, balance and coordination.
Crunch (On Stability Ball)
The Crunch on Stability Ball builds core strength through controlled flexion while challenging balance and body control.
Crunch Floor
The Crunch Floor is a simple bodyweight exercise that strengthens your abs using controlled movement and proper core engagement.
Dead Bug
The Dead Bug is a controlled core exercise that improves stability, coordination, and lower-back control using slow, precise movements.
Dumbbell Military Press Russian Twist
The Dumbbell Military Press Russian Twist combines an overhead press with controlled rotation to build strength and coordination.
Dumbbell Russian Twist
The Dumbbell Russian Twist is a seated core exercise that trains control and rotation while keeping your balance and posture steady.
Dumbbell Side Bend
The Dumbbell Side Bend is a simple standing exercise that trains controlled side movement to strengthen the muscles along your waist.
Dumbbell Side Bridge
The Dumbbell Side Bridge is a side plank variation that adds load to improve strength and control through the side of your core.
Dumbbell V-Up
The Dumbbell V-Up is a core exercise that adds external weight to the classic V-up to increase control and coordination.
Elbow Up And Down Dynamic Plank
The Elbow Up and Down Dynamic Plank adds controlled movement to a plank to build core strength, stability, and shoulder control.
Flutter Kicks
Flutter Kicks are a floor-based core exercise that trains control and endurance by keeping the legs moving while the upper body stays stable.
Front Elbow Plank
The Front Elbow Plank builds core strength and stability while training your abs, lower back, and shoulders together.
Front Plank To Toe Tap
The Front Plank to Toe Tap is a controlled plank variation that challenges core stability while adding small, alternating leg movements.
Half Wipers (Bent Leg)
Half Wipers (Bent Leg) is a controlled core exercise that builds strength and coordination by moving the legs side to side while staying stable on the floor.
Hollow Hold
The Hollow Hold is a static core exercise that builds full-body tension and improves control through a stable, held position.
Inchworm
The Inchworm flows from standing to plank and back, improving mobility, control and coordination across the entire body smoothly.
Support spinal health, movement efficiency, and total-body strength
Training goals for core development
Core training goes beyond visible definition. A stable core helps transfer power between your upper and lower body, reduces the risk of injury, and supports balance and coordination. It also plays a key role in breathing, bracing, and lifting. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced athlete, core work should be part of your weekly training plan.
Train with dynamic and isometric movements that challenge control
Best core exercises for strength and stability
Effective core exercises include planks, dead bugs, ab rollouts, hanging leg raises, and cable chops. These movements engage deep stabilizers along with surface-level muscles. Isometric holds build endurance and control, while dynamic movements challenge coordination and anti-rotation strength. Combining both types helps build a core that’s strong and functional, not just aesthetic.
Train your core with bodyweight, cables, or simple tools
Equipment options for core training
Core training doesn’t require complex equipment. Planks, bird-dogs, or V-sits can be done anywhere. Tools like resistance bands, ab wheels, or stability balls add challenge without needing a gym. In gym settings, cable machines or hanging bars allow for more advanced variations. The right tool depends on your training goals, experience, and available space.
Structure your core work to support performance and longevity
Training plans featuring core exercises
Core training can be done 2–4 times per week, depending on your routine and goals. Short, focused sessions of 10–15 minutes are often enough when consistently programmed. Core exercises pair well with both strength and conditioning workouts and can also be added to recovery days. The app helps you create a goal-driven training plan with the right core exercises for your experience level, available equipment, and preferred training split: so you build strength and control where it matters most.
Frequently asked questions about core exercises
No — many effective core exercises use just your bodyweight. However, equipment like ab wheels, resistance bands, and cable machines can add intensity and progression. The best approach is to start with bodyweight control, then add tools to challenge movement and increase resistance.
Core strength refers to your ability to generate force through core muscles, while core stability is about controlling and resisting movement — especially under load or during motion. Both are important. Training for both improves posture, power transfer, and injury resilience.
You can train your core 2–4 times per week. The core recovers quickly and benefits from frequent, lower-volume sessions. It’s often more effective to include core work as part of a warm-up, finisher, or integrated into strength routines, rather than relying on occasional long ab sessions.
Absolutely. While crunches target the abs, they’re not the most effective or safest option for everyone. Planks, dead bugs, bird-dogs, and other anti-extension or anti-rotation exercises build deeper strength and control, with less spinal strain. These movements often lead to better long-term results.
Some of the best core exercises include planks, hanging leg raises, ab rollouts, and cable chops. These target multiple core functions — from anti-extension to rotation control — and work deep stabilizing muscles alongside surface-level ones. Variety is key to avoid plateaus and build a balanced, functional core.
Integrate workouts into full-body and split routines