Strengthening the muscles of your core has many benefits. Not only does it help to create more defined abs, but it also improves your posture, relieves backache, and helps to prevent other muscle injuries.
Having a strong core will help you to feel healthier and stronger.
Here are four basic core exercises which target all abdominal muscles that you can do anytime and anywhere to improve your core strength.
Plank
The plank is a classic exercise that engages all the core muscles. Get into a modified push up position and bend your elbows to 90 degrees on both sides, with both forearms on the ground. Keep your elbows underneath your shoulders and look downwards at the floor. You should form a straight line with your body. Try to hold this position for as long as possible keeping your body still the entire time.
Flutter kicks
Lie down flat on your back with your arms by your hips and your palms facing downwards. Slowly lift up both legs and alternate between lifting one leg higher than the other before switching. Keep your legs straight the entire time. This is a great exercise that targets the lower abs.
Crunches
It’s time to work your upper abs! Crunches are almost like doing sit-ups, but the difference is that you only elevate your upper back. Lie down flat on your back and cross your arms and place them on your chest. Slowly crunch your upper back and lift your shoulders off the floor and exhale. Hold this position for one second before repeating the movement.
Ankle tips
This is a great move that works the oblique muscles or the muscles on the sides of your abdominal area. To do this movement, lie flat on your back and lift your upper back and neck off the floor with your feet shoulder width apart. Place your arms on your sides and slowly twist from side to side, tapping your ankle with each hand. One tap on both sides counts as one repetition.
Repeat these exercises no less than three times a week to see an improvement in your core strength.
Try to hold the plank for at least 30 seconds and increase the time as you improve.
Do 15 to 20 repetitions for each other exercise depending on your fitness level.
