Stop, drop, and plank!
by Nathan Reilly Sep 7, 2020
Whether you commute to an office or work from home, finding room in your schedule to exercise can be challenging, especially if you want a tight stomach. Thankfully, core exercises can help you achieve your fitness goals in little time.
According to Mayo Clinic, any exercise that works the muscles in your pelvis, lower back, hips, and abdomen is considered a core workout, which not only can help sculpt your abs but also improve your posture, alleviate back pain, and decrease muscle injuries. For a well-balanced fitness routine, you can even adapt each exercise to integrate cardio and weights.
To help you get started, here are five core exercises to tighten your stomach and lighten your schedule.
1. Plank
In 2011, it seemed like everyone was “planking” on every available surface. While the plank we’re referring to is a little different, it can still be done anywhere and at any point. With your entire body supported by only your forearms and toes, all while remaining horizontal to the ground, this exercise builds core endurance and flexibility. Not to mention, it’s one of the fastest ways to build muscle and tighten your stomach—rigidly holding up your own body weight, after all, is bound to give you some sick gains.
Via Brittne Babe
2. Crunches
You might have some hazy memories of crunches from high school gym class. Get ready to feel like a teenager again with this core-strengthening basic that helps with posture and flexibility. In this video, fitness YouTuber Holly Dolke teaches you how to perform several variations of crunches, so you’ll practically be a crunch expert by the time you’re done.
Via Holly Dolke
Shake what your momma gave ya? More like work it! Glute bridges combine a booty and core workout to tighten and tone, all while stretching your lower back. Just be sure to keep your knees parallel to your feet and not overarch your back.
Via Koboko Fitness
Leg raises can be performed in a variety of ways with myriad equipment, but in this case, all you need is yourself. This exercise stretches and tightens your abdominals, with your only focus on how high your leg raises are on each lift. While Anthony Balduzzi, NMD, founder of Fit Father Project, demonstrates them on a bench, they can easily be performed on a mat on the floor.
5. Dead Bug
Despite its less-than-appealing name, Dead Bug strengthens your core and pelvic muscles as you lie on your back and rely on your abdominals to raise and lower your limbs in alternation. According to bodyweight and former military trainer Mark Lauren, this position can even help decrease lower back pain with how it stretches and straightens the pelvis.
Via Mark Lauren
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