There is more to the core than the ab muscles, its most prominent association. The core is mostly made up of the abdominal and lower back muscles, although your hip muscles may also be involved. Additionally, the basic line is that exercising your core involves more than just performing crunches. So, here are the top exercises –
1. Planks
Planks target the deep core muscles in the body that provide stability and power in addition to your abs and obliques. They can also ease back discomfort and enhance posture and balance.
Set yourself up for a push-up with your feet behind you and your hands beneath your shoulders. As long as you can, hold your body rigid (like a plank!) while locking out your arms and legs and tightening your abdominal muscles.
You can also try a forearm plank with your arms out in front of you for a more difficult variant. Your elbows should be beneath your face rather than in line with the shoulders when you support yourself by laying your forearms on the ground.
2. Side Planks
Side planks are the advanced version of the prior, and to do it, turn to one side while still in the plank posture. Your body should be straight and tight while you support yourself on one elbow and one foot. As you maintain this position for as long as you can, don't forget to compress the core. In order to prevent causing muscle imbalances, switch sides and repeat.
3. Flutter Kicks
For strengthening your core, working on the lower abs is essential because they are a common issue region. Flutter kicks are the perfect remedy for this.
With your hands by your sides or firmly planted on the ground, lie flat on your back with your legs up. Lift both legs together to a height of about 6 inches, and then quickly alternate lowering and lifting each leg by a few inches. You should feel quite a heat in your abdomen, and it should appear as though you are kicking the air.
4. Reverse Crunches
The standard stomach crunch is a preferable workout, but if you want to strengthen your abs and core, you should choose much more difficult exercises.
The reverse crunch, like the conventional crunch, is portable and effective for toning your lower abdomen.
On your back, in the crunch position, position your legs bent. As you elevate your pelvis and pull your knees up toward your face, place your hands flat on the ground by your sides. Then, lower them back down. Instead of using your back, contract the muscles in the lower abs to finish it.
5. Stomach Vacuums
The transverse abdominis is a muscle group in the core commonly ignored because it is simple to engage your front-facing abdominal muscles. Your skin can't see this muscle, yet it's crucial for maintaining excellent posture, stabilising your body, and holding your stomach close to your spine.
Try stomach vacuums to build this muscle and achieve a flatter stomach.
Firstly, stand tall and erect. Pull your stomach in tight as you exhale all the air from your body. Think of pulling your belly button toward your spine. You will feel the transverse abdominis will start to contract. Hold for as long as you can, then release and repeat.