5 Exercises for a Strong Core
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Last updated: July 2026 · 4 min read
A strong core is about more than sculpted abs. Training the muscles around your abs, pelvis, lower back, and hips can improve your posture, ease back pain, and steady your balance.
The best core work hits your midsection and the muscles around it. Here are five simple exercises to get you started.
1. Plank Kick-Through
Works your shoulders, obliques, and full core. Start in a plank with your body in a straight line from head to toe and shoulders stacked over your wrists. In one sweeping motion, rotate to the right and kick your left foot through, opening into a side plank with your right arm reaching overhead. Return to plank and repeat on the other side.
Reps: 15, alternating sides
2. Rock the Boat
Targets your obliques and hips. Sit in boat pose and hold a dumbbell in both hands at chest level. Keep your spine long and your core engaged as you rotate the dumbbell across your body to the right, then to the left.
Reps: 15 per side
3. Side Plank and Oblique Twist
Tones your obliques and shoulders. Start in a side plank with your right forearm planted firmly on the ground and a dumbbell in your left hand resting in front of you. For extra stability, stagger your feet so the top foot sits just ahead of the bottom. Engage your core and, keeping the weight close to your body, raise your left arm overhead. With control, lower it and twist it under your torso, then return to start.
Reps: 15 per side
4. Toe Touches
Targets your lower abs. Lie on your back with your legs extended straight up and your feet flexed. Hold a dumbbell in both hands and reach toward your feet as you lift your shoulders off the ground. Lower back down.
Reps: 15
5. Starfish
Works your entire core. Lie on your back with your arms and legs extended out to the sides. In one sweeping motion, lift your shoulders and legs off the ground and hug your knees into your chest, engaging your core as you come up. Slowly lower back down.
Reps: 15
Run through all five as a circuit two or three times a week, and you’ll build a core that does more than look good.