3 min readEnhancewell
When you hear “core workout,” what’s your first thought? If you’re thinking crunches and reaching for the “X” at the top of this page, WAIT! While crunches have their place (somewhere far, far away?), there are plenty of core-strengthening moves that are way more effective— and maybe even a little fun.
Keep reading for five core exercises (that aren’t crunches!) to engage your core and improve your stability.
The plank
The plank is simple, brutal, and oh-so-effective. Consider it your on-the-mat meditation, where the only mantra is “Don’t collapse.”
- How to do it: Get into a push-up position, but rest on your forearms instead of your hands. Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels. Now, engage your core, squeeze your glutes, and hold for as long as possible.
- Why it’s awesome: This move works your entire core, strengthens your back, and improves your posture.
Tabletop with knee lift
This core exercise is all about stability and controlled movement. It might look easy, but after 20 reps, you may reconsider your earlier assessment.
- How to do it: Start on your hands and knees, in a tabletop position, with your back straight and toes tucked. Ensure your wrists are under your shoulders, and keep your knees under your hips. Brace your core and lift your knees an inch off the ground until they’re at shoulder height. Hold. Then, keeping your abs engaged, lower your knees back to the ground and repeat.
- Why it’s awesome: It improves core stability and challenges your endurance.
Bird dog
This move is a coordination challenge wrapped in a core-strengthening package.
- How to do it: Start in a tabletop position on your hands and knees with a straight back. Extend your right arm forward and your left leg back, keeping them in a straight line. Hold for a few seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side.
- Why it’s awesome: The bird dog move helps with core stability, strengthens your lower back, and enhances coordination.
Side plank hip dips
Say goodbye to those love handles and strengthen your obliques with side plank hip dips.
- How to do it: Begin in a traditional side plank position, with your hips lifted so your body is in a straight line from head to heels, propped up on one forearm with your other arm extended toward the ceiling. Then, dip your hips until the lower one reaches the ground and return to the starting position. Complete 10-15 reps and switch to the other side.
- Why it’s awesome: The side plank engages your shoulder muscles while strengthening your obliques and improving spinal stability.
Dead bug
The name of this one sounds innocuous, but there’s nothing lifeless about how your abs will feel!
- How to do it: Lie on your back with your arms extended toward the ceiling and knees bent at 90 degrees. Lower your right arm and left leg towards the floor, while pressing your lower back into the ground. Keep your abs engaged as you return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
- Why it’s awesome: The dead bug strengthens your deep core, improves core stability, and helps prevent lower back pain.
Ready to ditch the crunches for good and discover the joy (and aesthetics) of a strong core?
Book an Enhancewell Fitness private session! Your trainer will create a personalized workout plan tailored to your goals and abilities. And if you hate crunches, we promise a crunch-free session with the alternatives above instead!