Let’s face it, we all want that six pack or at least have a strong core to reap its benefits such as: improved posture, decreased chances of lower back spasms and improved performance.  These are 5 workouts that can help you build a strong core.  Remember to breathe as you engage in your training.  Warm up with light aerobics (jogging, jump roping…) for 5 minutes or until you break a sweat before starting any workout session.  Perform the exercises 2-3 times per week for a month and it will become a habit once you start seeing the results.

Star Plank:

Move your arms and feet apart as wide as possible from a pushup position to make your body in the shape of a star.  Hold the position with your torso straight and abs braced for 30 – 60 seconds.  Wear a weight vest to make it more advanced.

Hanging Leg Raise:

Hang from a pullup bar with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width.  Then raise your legs straight out in front of you. Bring back down and repeat 8-12 times.  As you get more advanced, perform exercise holding a weighted ball between your feet.

V-Up Ball Pass:

Lie on your back and hold a ball (medicine ball, basketball or football) between your ankles.  Stretch your arms behind your head.  Sit up while raising your legs at the same time and pass the ball from your legs to your hands.  Go back down to the floor and repeat, passing the ball from your hands to your legs. Each pass from legs to hands and hands to legs is one rep.  When you get to the point where you can do 15 reps comfortably, make it more challenging by using a weighted ball.

Russian Twist:

Sit on the floor with your legs raised and bent at the knees so that it creates an imaginary V-shape with your thighs while holding a weighted ball or plate.  Twist your torso to the right side until your arms are parallel with the floor. Hold the contraction for a second and move to the opposite side performing the same techniques you applied to the right side.  Completion of each side is one rep.  Do 15-20 reps.

Sit-up and Throw:

Hold the ball with both hands in front of your chest and sit on the floor.  Have a partner anchor your feet or under something sturdy for support.  Lie back on the floor a few feet away from your partner or a brick wall.  Sit up and throw the ball to your partner or into the wall and then catch it on the rebound or as your partner throws it back to you.  Use heavier ball to make it more advanced.

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