Your core is way more than your abs—just like the best core exercises go beyond sit-ups, crunches, and planks.
The thing is, people tend to think of the core as solely the abdominal muscles, including the rectus abdominis (frontside abs), transverse abdominis (deep trunk muscles that wrap around your spine and sides), and obliques (muscles on the sides of your torso). And that perception influences which exercises they choose to tick the box for “core work.”
In truth, a bunch of other players beyond the abs make up your core. That includes the pelvic floor, lower back, hips, and even glutes, Karlie Booker, CPT, a certified personal trainer at Pro Club in Redmond, Washington, tells SELF. So whether you realize it or not, really “every single exercise we do involves the core,” Kat Paslé-Green, CPT, a certified personal trainer and coach at Bay Club in the San Francisco area, tells SELF.
That’s because “the main function of the core is to stabilize the spine,” Paslé-Green explains. “A strong core also enhances the strength of the shoulders as well as their stability. And it enhances the strength of the hips and the lower body too.” In other words, having a sturdy core is key to healthy functioning—both in the gym and daily life.
By training your core, you can reap a ton of benefits. These include improving your posture, breathing, and balance; reducing low back pain and decreasing injury risk; and generally bolstering the efficiency of your movements, Paslé-Green explains. That can all come in clutch across a variety of scenarios—whether you’re doing heavy squats, hauling groceries, or wrangling a squirming toddler.
Convinced yet to add more core work to your life? We asked a bunch of top trainers for their favorite moves that engage this all-important muscle group. Check out their recommendations below—and get ready to strengthen, stabilize, and sweat.
