Core Exercises?

Hirgy03

Hey folks. I want to add a day of strictly core exercises to my routine (currently only have days for upper body/lower body). Presently, I'm really only doing some crunches and back extensions. I did a "quickie" look on here but didn't find anything. Could some of you make some suggestions, or point me to the right spot to find these?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

5stringjeff

For my abs/core, I do:
- situps
- planks
- crunches
- dumbbell side bends

SJ46

Planks and the gazillion and one variations.
Here is a good place to start: http://www.tinareale.com/887/plank-variations/

preaser

I have an old Denise Austin Pilates DVD that I use. It works your abs well. You could probably find some on youtube.

Cherylllyn

Bicycle Crunches seem to work.

andreanicole686

leg lifts are the best. And crunches.

moustache_flavored_lube

Do you do squats / deadlifts on leg day? those are some of the best core exercises

Kettlebell swings / kettle bell figure 8 (with pause) are both very good for the core.

Toe to bar
leg lifts
planks
weighted decline situps

Strobins05

Planks and the gazillion and one variations.
Here is a good place to start: http://www.tinareale.com/887/plank-variations/

^^^ this!

jzammetti

Free weights heavy lifting will engage your core for almost every workout.

TR0berts

Hanging leg raises. Not the type where you simply raise your legs to parallel with the floor. Hang from a pull-up bar and lift your legs - knees straight - all the way up to the bar.

singer201

No kidding--horseback riding and cleaning paddocks/stalls (raking, shoveling, and carting). Several years ago, even though I was heavier, my core was very strong from cleaning two stalls and riding for about an hour every day. When I no longer had a horse to care for and ride, my core strength went downhill rapidly. I'm back at it now, and that's regular exercise I look forward to every day.

samara91

Hi,
Im a certified Pilates instructor and I'd like to start by letting you know that crunches are a waste of your time, they work your superficial muscles only and if you really want to be strong you need to go a lot deeper then that. Planks are great, just remeber to focus on lifting your pelvic floor and flattening through your transverse abdominis. Make sure your stomach doesn't 'pop out'during any of your abdominal work, you need to think about drwaing your abdominals flat to your spine. Breathing is extremley important because it alows your internal obliques to close your ribs, so on every curl or obilque twist you want to exhale. Leg lowers are great to challenge your core you just need to be very careful in regards to your back.
* My suggestion would be to find your nearest PIlates studio, make sure the instructor has a lot of anatomical knowledge and take a class, I am sure by the end you will understand core work a lot better and will be able to further your training.

Hirgy03

Thanks all. I had the planks and leg lifts in mind already, was just wondering if I was missing any major things, looks like I had a lot of it covered. Appreciate the input here.

Cr01502

Squats

Deadlift

Standing Barbell Presses

RKC Planks

Wide stance cable rotations

Kneeling palof isoholds

croninsfc

Not sure if this would class as strictly core exercises, but I am using the Runtastic static exercise apps for situps, squats, pull-ups and push-ups.
I like the way that these apps manage your exercise schedule for you and keep you motivated. All you need do is find around 15 minutes a day.

jimmie65

My vote:
Squats
Deadlifts
Hanging leg raises (and variations)
Weighted Russian Twists

ktrn0312

Bump