The Best Core Exercises for All Fitness Levels

Core exercises can include yoga poses, crunches, planks, and other exercises that incorporate additional muscleWhether you’re pushing a grocery cart or putting on shoes, you use your core to accomplish a lot of everyday activities. It also affects your balance, posture, and stabilitContrary to popular belief, your core doesn’t just include your abdominal muscles. It also consists of muscles in your back and around your pelvis.

Your core, or trunk, includes yourErector spinae. The erector spinae is a back muscle that extends up your trunk. It helps you stand up straight abendover, as well as bend sideways and rotate your heRectus abdominis. When you bend forward, you use an abdominal muscle called the rectus abdominis. It’s sometimes called the “six pack” musclObliques. Your internal oblique and external oblique help you rotate or bend your trunTransverse abdominis. The transverse abdominis, wwraps around the front and side of your trunk, stabilizes your pelvMultifidus. The multifidus in your back supports your spOther muscles that make up your core include your: pelvic flodiaphragmglutes that attach to the pelvis (hamstrings, hip flexors, and hip adductorKeeping these muscles strong helps stabilize your body, support your spine, and enhance your overall fitnessRead on for the best core-strengthening moves for every fitness levelBeginner movIf you’re new to exercise or if you haven’t exercised in a long time, start with these beginner moveIt may also be a good idea to consult with a personal trainer, if you can, to talk about the right amount of reps and sets for your personal fitness level and goals. Throughout these exercises, you’ll see the phrase “tighten your core” — but how do you know if you’re actually doing thatOne good way to start is to inhale, and as you’re doing that, imagine you’re bringing your belly button toward your spine. Hold your muscles tight in that position for a few secondsThis feeling of braced stomach muscles is what it feels like to engage — or tighten — your corBriThis pose activates your glutes to lift your hips, which helps train your core while toning your butt and thighs. Start on your back. Bend your knees and plant your feet on the floor at hip width. Place your hands at your sides, palms downighten your core and glutRaise your hips until your knees are in line with your shoulderHold for 10–30 seconds.Repeat 3–5 timCrunches are a classic core-strengthening move. The act of lifting your upper body works your abdominal muscleIf you have occasional low back pain, do crunches with care — move slowly and start with just a few repIf your low back pain is chronic, talk with a certified trainer or healthcare professional before attempting this classic crunch. It may not be the best option for you.