Free weight exercises to build core strength?

Any recommendations? Sit ups I can do....just wondering if anyone had any free weight exercises that can help.

Thanks.

Replies

  • Packerjohn
    Packerjohn Posts: 4,855 Member
    Squats, deadlifts, standing overhead press, farmer carries, lunges are a few.

    Basically anything where you are moving a weight and the body isn't supported by a bench, seat or floor.
  • harrybananas
    harrybananas Posts: 292 Member
    Packerjohn wrote: »
    Squats, deadlifts, standing overhead press, farmer carries, lunges are a few.

    Basically anything where you are moving a weight and the body isn't supported by a bench, seat or floor.

    Lol so best core exercises are only done while levitating?
  • drwilseyjr
    drwilseyjr Posts: 225 Member
    Farmers walks are great. Woodchoppers, too.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Why your core? What about the rest of your body?

  • filovirus76
    filovirus76 Posts: 156 Member
    Turkish Get-Ups, planks and side planks (try different variations), push-ups (try them on a stability ball).

    If you have access to a gym, inverted rows. The lower the bar is to the ground the better.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    pivot presses
  • ahamm002
    ahamm002 Posts: 1,690 Member
    Pulls ups are a great exercise for your core. Just make sure to lower yourself slowly.
  • rileyes
    rileyes Posts: 1,406 Member
    Any move that has you stabilizing your core. Compound lifts (free weights) are great. RKC planks (body weight) are great. I like single-leg hip thrusts to target the glutes (part of the core).
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    rileyes wrote: »
    Any move that has you stabilizing your core. Compound lifts (free weights) are great. RKC planks (body weight) are great. I like single-leg hip thrusts to target the glutes (part of the core).

    That's a good point that can easily get missed. In order to work your core, you have to work your core. A lot of the mentioned exercises can be done with relatively little to no core engagement. Be cognizant of your core and keeping it tight, stable, and engaged throughout the lift.
  • bwalter32
    bwalter32 Posts: 1 Member
    jacksonpt wrote: »
    rileyes wrote: »
    Any move that has you stabilizing your core. Compound lifts (free weights) are great. RKC planks (body weight) are great. I like single-leg hip thrusts to target the glutes (part of the core).

    That's a good point that can easily get missed. In order to work your core, you have to work your core. A lot of the mentioned exercises can be done with relatively little to no core engagement. Be cognizant of your core and keeping it tight, stable, and engaged throughout the lift.

    f you're doing compound lifts and not activating your core, you're doing them wrong.

    All compound lifts indirectly activate the core. For direct work, I like hitting the ab wheel for a couple sets.