Let’s show that core some love! Most people leave their abs and corework until the end of their routine, when it tends to get rushed or, let’s face it, skipped altogether. But trust us, neglecting those exercises isn’t doing your body or your fitness goals any favors.

When you strengthen the core muscles, that means you’re strengthening your pelvis, hips, and low back, resulting in better balance and stability.

And the good news is, you don’t need a ton of equipment or a full gym; some of the most challenging exercises are performed by using just your own bodyweight. This routine will help you build a strong core, tighten and tone your abs, and help prevent injuries. Once you build a strong core, everything else will fit into place in your overall fitness. Who doesn’t want to walk around with a strong and confident posture?



How to:

Perform each exercise for 40 seconds, with 20 seconds of rest.  Perform on each side for unilateral exercises. Complete three rounds.

Side Plank with Twist

Get into a side plank with your lower arm extended and palm on the floor. Raise your opposite hand to the ceiling, making a T-shape with your body (A). Rotate through your torso and lower your raised hand, bringing it under your arm (B). Repeat for all reps, then switch sides.


Mountain Climbers

Begin in a high plank position. Quickly alternate bringing one knee towards your chest in a running-like motion. Repeat for all reps.

Alternating Single-Leg V-Up

Lie flat on the floor with your arms out to the sides. Simultaneously, raise your torso and one leg, bringing the opposite hand to meet your foot in the center. Lower back down, then repeat with the other hand and leg. Continue alternating for all reps.

Straight Leg Reverse Crunch

Lie flat on the floor with legs together, straight out in front of you (A). Raise your feet to the ceiling, contracting your torso and bringing your hips off the floor (B). Repeat for all reps.

Bear with Alternating Shoulder Touch

Get into an all-fours position with your knees raised an inch or two off the ground (A). Engage your core, lift one hand and tap the opposite shoulder (B). Lower back down, then repeat with the opposite hand. Continue alternating for all reps.

Single-Leg Plank with Side Crunch

Get into a side plank resting on your forearm and extend one arm overhead so your hand is reaching for the side wall, then raise your top foot (A). Bend your top arm and top leg and bring them together in the middle, contracting your oblique (B). Return to the starting position and immediately repeat. Complete all reps on this side, then switch sides.
Krista Ferrara
Owner/ Founder of FitBody By Krista & FitBody Online Training Programs