Most are familiar with the word, but probably aren’t sure of the exact definition.  Your core is basically the center portion of your body, excluding your limbs and your head.  This is the area where the force of movement is generated in exercise and in life.  Training your core is vital to living a stronger, healthier life or becoming a stronger athlete.  Personal trainers and other fitness professionals throw this word around like crazy, but there is a great deal of science behind the buzz.

I decided to compile a personal list of the most functional and effective exercises to build core strength.  This is, by no means, a definitive list.  Just my opinion on the best.

1. Bicycles- works the muscles deep in the abdominal wall and the obliques

2. Plank- this can be performed in numerous variations.   Improves core stability in an isometric fashion.

3. Long arm crunch- focuses on upper portion of abdominal region

4. Supermans- numerous variations, deep abdominal region, lower back region

5. Reverse Crunch- pulling your knees in.  Focuses on lower region of abdominal area

As stated before, this is not a definitive list of 5.  Please contact me or anyone with Studio Element with questions concerning any of these exercises.  Remember- While a nice six pack is appealing, performance and core stability is more important.  Focus on exercises like the ones above and improve your nutritional habits and the six pack will follow!