Weight benches are good for more than just chest presses and seated biceps curls. If you want to add some spice to your go-to abs circuit or (literally) elevate your at-home core routine, try a bench ab workout. Brett Durney, a certified personal trainer and co-founder of Fitness Lab, explains that utilizing a bench during a core workout […]
We don’t question all the available squat variations. We understand that each one — from the curtsy squat to the split squat — builds lower-body strength while bringing something a little different to a workout. But there’s something about squatting with a barbell that invites a comparison between the front squat vs back squat. Which […]
If your core workouts are all about bending with crunches and holding it right there with planks, it’s time to add the Russian twist to your routine. “In life, we use many movements that include all planes of motion, one of which is rotation,” says Cody Braun, C.S.C.S. He explains that rotation is one of the most undertrained movement patterns […]
Want a convenient way to work some of the most neglected muscles in your core? Look no further than the oblique V-up. Most exercisers think the core is another word for your rectus abdominis, or the “six-pack muscles” on the front of your abdomen. Just as essential, however, are your obliques — the sheets of muscle […]
If you’re looking for a killer core workout that challenges your balance and gets every abdominal muscle engaged, look no further than your exercise ball. One of the best ways to use it: stability ball knee tucks — also known as a jackknife. (And once you’ve nailed this one, here are other stability ball exercises to […]
If you’re bored with crunches and have already experimented with every imaginable plank variation, try switching up your ab exercises with flutter kicks, also known as butterfly kicks. Just as effective as leg lifts, flutter kicks offer a more dynamic (and maybe even more fun) alternative to the typical ab exercise. And if it’s a defined midsection you’re after, […]
In a well-rounded Pilates program like XB Pilates, most moves will work your entire body, especially your core. However, there are a couple of standout exercises that have become classics for good reason. One of these is the Pilates teaser, a major core burner you can do anytime, anywhere. “The teaser challenges both balance and core […]
The Pilates roll up is one of those sneaky strength moves. It looks simple and straightforward — you’re sitting up and lying back down. But when executed with proper form and mechanics, this foundational exercise will humble even the most advanced Pilates student. “While it is considered a staple, it is not a beginner exercise,” […]
You’ve heard the term bandied around at the gym, in yoga classes, or maybe even from your personal trainer: “engage your core.” But what does it really mean? Understanding how to engage your core helps not just with workouts but with your daily activities as well. But before we delve deeper into the how, let’s […]
Squats are popular for a reason. No matter which variation you choose, they not only help build a stronger lower body, but also fire up your core and increase range of motion when performed correctly. Jumping jacks, too, deserve the esteemed reputation they’ve had with fitness since, well, forever. They build stamina, burn calories, and boost cardiorespiratory endurance. What’s more […]