General Core exercises

[softballlegend]

Does anyone know a few exercises to strengthen your core ?

[Deviation]

There's a TON. Here's a few:

Body weight:
Exercise Ball Crunches
Oblique Crunches
Planks
Hanging Leg Raises

Weighted:
Dumbbell Side Bends
Russian Twists
Ab Machine

Really anything out of the "abs" exercise group will work.

[toddb1211]

Big movements like squats and deadlifts work your core.I hardly target my stomach anymore because of those 2 movements alone

[decu68]

Agreed, I don't work my abs anymore and haven't for years. I do however in many exercises concentrate on those spots when lifting. I will from time to time get lower back pains which is a good indication of weak abdominal muscles and that the back is trying to make up for them. I will than work my abs which immediately alleviates that pain.

'softballlegend', I am in no way not saying you shouldn't work your core; core is very important. Do what you need to and over time you will find you may be able to move away from exercises such as listed by Deviation and keep them maintained through a lot of the larger lifts.

[Deviation]

It ultimately depends on your goals. I'm more of a general fitness guy. I'm not trying to be a powerlifter or bodybuilder. After a recent race, I've realized that there's more to functional strength than just getting big. That said, I think working the core certainly helps with other exercise. This is a simple ab circuit that I do 2-3 times a week:

--- No rest; Fast as possible ---
Exercise Ball Crunch x30
Dumbbell Side Bend x10 (each side)
Oblique Crunches x10 (each side)
^ Repeat all 3 times
Plank 30sec hold x4

Easy enough to incorporate with your routine and it doesn't take much time. I switch this up every so often to keep from getting bored. That and I like to try something new out. Never know what you'll come across.

I still do bench (flat & incline), deadlifts, and atg squats. Along with running, rope/chain work, etc.. Core is important, but that doesn't mean doing more will result in the elusive six-pack abs. ;)

[edzzik]

If you want hard-core core exercises, look these up. They are extreme and crazy effective, and most gym rats can't do them at all :)

Planche, human flag, front levers, windshield wipers, standing rollouts. You can go even more extreme and add planche pushups, or adding extra weight to any of these. I firmly believe that there is nothing that will hit your core harder than these.