What are some good core strengthening exercises?

Answer by  daddy31 (304)

Core strength is the most important characteristic of good athletes and good fitness. You should always strengthen both sides of your core. This means abs and lower back. Some great exercises are deadlifts, good mornings, crunches, sit-ups, and planks.

Answer by  Doomstoned (1454)

Any movements that target the abdomenals and obliques, when performed correctly, are excellent for core strengthing. However, the lower back is also considered core and this area is targetted with movements such as deadlifts, lower back extensions, and even rows.

Answer by  Joe3737 (89)

Free weight squats and lunges , weighted or unweighted , the plank and side plank positions as well as plain old push-ups. You also might try yoga or pilates which are excellent for strengthening your core muscles.

Answer by  Dandelion (6)

Things that have worked for me include Pilates (find a class at a gym or just a simple workout DVD) and also ABripperX from p90X has worked great.

Answer by  asianal (397)

I have some of my clients do hanging leg raises for their core. Also i have them do super sets of swissball crunches right into oblique swissball crunches. I've noticed that this is a very effective combination.

Answer by  lonelywolf (2117)

The best core strengthening exercises are multi-joint and involve the entire body is some way. Deadlifts and full range squats are the absolute best exercises for your core. Good mornings, Supermans, and Incline Sit-ups are good supplemental core exercises as well.

Answer by  CDT (117)

Some good core strengthening exercises: ab crunch, side ab crunch, leg lifts, sit-up. Also some good core exercises would be isometric exercises that have you hold a position for an extended period of time.