April 28, 2023 3 min read
Having a strong core is essential for overall physical health, strength, and stability. It helps to improve posture, reduce back pain, increase athletic performance, and even enhance your balance and coordination. Having a strong core also helps to tone your abdominal muscles and provides the foundation for other exercises and activities. That’s why ab workouts are so important!
Shop The Collection: Core & Ab TrainersThere are many different types of ab workouts available, and it can be difficult to know which ones are best for core strength and stability. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the top ab workouts for core strength and stability. Read on to learn more about each exercise and how to perform them correctly.
Shop The Gear: MAGMA Ab Wheel Roller Deluxe, $27.99 USDCrunches are a classic ab workout that everyone should add to their routine. They are an effective way to strengthen the abdominal muscles and improve core stability. To do a crunch, start by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head or across your chest. Tighten your abdominal muscles and slowly lift your shoulders off the ground. Hold this position for a few seconds, then slowly lower back down.
Shop The Collection: Stability & Balance TrainersWhen performing crunches, be sure to keep your neck and spine in a neutral position. Don’t pull on your neck, and be sure to engage your core throughout the movement. Aim to do 3 sets of 10-15 reps.
Shop The Gear: BOSU PRO Balance Trainer, $213.99 USDPlanks are another great ab workout that helps to strengthen the core muscles. To do a plank, start by getting into a push-up position. Bend your elbows and rest your weight on your forearms and toes. Keep your body in a straight line from your head to your heels. Hold this position for 30-60 seconds, engaging your core throughout the movement. Be sure to keep your neck and spine in a neutral position.
If you’re new to planks, start by holding for 10-15 seconds. As you become more comfortable, you can work your way up to longer holds. Aim to do 3 sets of planks, increasing the duration of the hold each time.
Russian twists are a great way to target the obliques, which are the muscles on the sides of the abdomen. To do a Russian twist, start by sitting on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Lean back slightly and raise your feet off the floor. Clasp your hands together and rotate your torso to one side, twisting at the waist. Hold the position for a few seconds, then rotate your torso to the other side. Do 10-15 reps on each side.
When performing Russian twists, be sure to keep your core engaged and your back straight. Don’t twist too quickly, as this can cause injury. Aim to do 3 sets of Russian twists.
Bicycle crunches are a great ab workout that targets the entire core. To do a bicycle crunch, start by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head or across your chest. Engage your core and bring your left knee towards your chest while bringing your right elbow towards your left knee. Then switch sides, bringing your right knee towards your chest while bringing your left elbow towards your right knee. Continue alternating sides for 20-30 reps.
When doing bicycle crunches, be sure to keep your neck and spine in a neutral position. Don’t pull on your neck, and be sure to engage your core throughout the movement. Aim to do 3 sets of 20-30 reps.
Leg lifts are a great way to strengthen the lower abs and improve core stability. To do a leg lift, start by lying on your back with your hands by your sides. Tighten your abdominal muscles and slowly lift both legs off the ground. Hold the position for a few seconds, then slowly lower your legs back down. Be sure to keep your legs straight throughout the movement.
When performing leg lifts, be sure to keep your neck and spine in a neutral position. Don’t pull on your neck, and be sure to engage your core throughout the movement. Aim to do 3 sets of 10-15 reps.
Ab workouts are an important part of any fitness routine. They help to strengthen the abdominal muscles, improve core stability, and reduce back pain. Crunches, planks, Russian twists, bicycle crunches, and leg lifts are all great ab workouts for core strength and stability. Try adding these exercises to your routine to reap the benefits of a strong core!