Whether you're gym rat or simply looking for a core workout on days off from running or cycling, try these moves to strengthen your core.
Need: Medicine ball, stability ball, partner
People often practice yoga for balance and flexibility, but many of the poses require a strong core.
This video introduces a few basic yoga poses that directly work out your core.
Need: Yoga mat
Whether you're an MMA fighter or not, the need for strong rotational muscles in your core is common -- a baseball swing and a golf swing are two examples. If you don't have access to a gym, you can do similar exercises with straps or hand weights.
Need: Gym equipment
Planks -- you dread them, but they work. If you get bored when holding a plank, try these variations, which introduce some movement but preserve the toning potential.
Need: Mat
The best part of these particular exercises is that they don't require special equipment. Start with fewer reps and build up to 120 to increase your core strength.
Need: Hardwood floor, socks
Whether you're training for a triathlon, looking for a workout you can do indoors, or sitting at a desk all day and need to improve your posture, a few basic at-home or in-gym core workouts may be exactly what you need.
We rounded up five core-strengthening exercises on YouTube, featuring yogis, MMA fighters and more. Even if you don't have access to a gym or your own equipment, many of these exercises can be done at home — with a little willpower. If you have a buddy to work out with, even better.
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Which core workout is most effective for you? Tell us in the comments.
Homepage image: YouTube, DietHealth