How to Do Core Exercises

Your core is the midsection of your body, that helps you stay stable and upright. Your lower back, glutes, abs and hips are all of the parts that are considered your core. Keep your core tight during these exercises by pulling your abs into your spine. Breathe deeply and relax your upper body while you perform core exercises.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Keep your spine in a neutral position as you lie on your stomach on the ground. Extend all four limbs and gently lift them up as high as you can. Hold this pose for as long as you can. Keep your core tight throughout, and breathe deeply as you hold the pose.
2. Place your feet together as you lie on your stomach on the ground. Use a mat for your comfort. Put your forearms on the ground underneath you. Lift your body, putting your weight onto your forearms and toes. Keep your spine neutral and your core tight. This is called a plank. Hold it until you can no longer maintain proper form.
3. Do a side plank by laying on your side with your feet together. Keep your hips in line with one another. Place your weight on your lower forearm as you lift your body toward the ceiling. Keep your abs tight as you hold the position steady as long as you can. If it's too difficult to hold this position, modify it by putting your top foot on the ground in front of you for more stability.
4. Lie on the floor with your legs up at a 90 degree angle from your body. Place your hands behind your head. Using your abdominal muscles, crunch your body up. Lift your shoulder blades off of the ground without bending your neck forward. Lower back down to your shoulder blades and lift again. Repeat as many reps as you can to work your core.