Strengthening a weak core is no walk in the park, which is why we rounded up the 12 best core-strengthening exercises, handpicked by certified trainers, to make it that much easier. Because, honestly, working on your core strength shouldn’t feel like a chore. It’s one of the most important things you can do for your body, way beyond the aesthetic goals of building a six-pack or sculpting your obliques.
“Strengthening a weak core is something that can be massively helpful,” said Richard Wilcock, MS, CSCS, a Level-3 personal trainer and owner of Flagship Fitness in the UK. “It can help relieve back pain, help prevent slips and falls, and make other exercises easier.” Your core is made up of several different muscles beyond just your abs and obliques, including your glutes and back muscles. All of those need to be worked and trained in order to strengthen the whole.
Ahead, check out the benefits of these 12 recommended moves, learn why trainers love them, and get step-by-step instructions for how to complete each one. Add them into your workouts to start building strength and stability in your core.