| |  | | | | Four of the best exercises for core strength | | "Core" is often used as a synonym for "abs." It actually consists of muscles throughout your back, pelvis, and abdominal area, including the erector spinae (which runs vertically along each side of your spine), obliques, multifidus (which stabilizes the spine), pelvic floor, and diaphragm. Keeping these muscles strong can support improved mobility, stability, and overall fitness. | | Without further ado, here are four exercises to help strengthen your core, with step-by-step instructions and visual guides for each one. |  | | Bridges: In this beginner-friendly pose, you activate your glutes to lift your hips, which can help train your core, glutes, hamstrings, 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 down.
- Engage your abdominal muscles, hamstrings, and glutes in order to raise your hips until your knees are in line with your shoulders.
- Hold with engaged muscles for 10 to 30 seconds.
- Release your hips to the floor.
- Repeat 3 to 5 times.
|  | | Bicycle crunches: This variation of a regular crunch works your obliques, rectus abdominis (the top layer of your abs), and hips. | - Lie on your back with your hands clasped behind the bottom of your skull. (Be careful not to pull on your neck while you do this move.)
- Bend your right knee into your chest and raise your left elbow toward your right knee. Try to maintain a long spine and an engaged core throughout the motion, even if your elbow and knee don't touch.
- Repeat on the other side.
- Start with 3 sets of 12 alternate repetitions.
|  | | Supine toe taps: This basic Pilates exercise engages your core muscles while working your hips and legs. If you have back pain, toe taps might be a better alternative to crunches. | - Start on your back. Lift your legs so that your knees are bent to 90 degrees. Place your hands at your sides, palms down.
- Engage your core. Lower your right foot and gently tap the floor, keeping your left leg still and your back flat.
- Raise your right leg to return to the starting position.
- Repeat with your left leg.
- Start with 1 set of 8 to 12 reps.
|  | | Mountain climbers: This intermediate exercise combines a plank with knee movements, making it a great option for building balance and core strength. | - Start in a plank with your hands below your shoulders. Engage your core.
- Lift your right knee toward your chest, keeping your spine straight and your hips level with your shoulders.
- Return your right leg to the starting position as you simultaneously lift your left knee toward your chest.
- Continue alternating legs. Start with 1 set of 8 to 12 reps.
| | While exercises can help build up your core, adopting a healthy lifestyle is key. Think: regularly exercising, getting enough rest, and eating a balanced diet. Consistency is essential and far more effective than any "quick fixes." Plus, you may not necessarily "see abs" or physical results by working out, and that's OK. A six-pack isn't a direct reflection of your health or well-being! | | | | | | | | | | Workout smarter, not harder | | | | | | |  | | 10 Best Fitness and Exercise Apps of 2025 | | With so many fitness apps on the market, how do you know which one to choose? Let us help you! Healthline editors tested and reviewed many different options so you don't have to. We considered factors like quality and types of workouts, ease of use, and whether they meet our rigorous vetting standards. Check out our top 10 picks for apps focused on yoga, running, personal training, community building, and beyond. | | | Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Now's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | How did you feel about this newsletter? | | | | Email wellnesswire@healthline.com with comments related to this newsletter or topics you'd like to see in future editions. The newsletter editors read every message that lands in our inbox — yes, really! We look forward to hearing from you. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Until next time, |  | Take care of yourself, and we'll see
you again soon! | | |  | | |  | | This edition was powered by | | cherry tomatoes. | | | | | | | | View in browser
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