Want to ensure you’re getting a good abs workout?

Add these deep core exercises to your routine, recommended by a personal trainer.

Im an Exercise PhysiologistHeres Why You Shouldnt Worry About Cortisol Spikes When You Do HIIT Workouts.

alt

Elliptical vs Treadmill: Which Cardio Machine Is Right For You?

Does Rowing Count as Strength Training?

And no, were not talking about movements that target the superficial abs muscles, aka the six-pack bunch.

woman sweating in the gym

certified personal trainer and owner ofFit Healthy Macros

Instead, were asking you to think deeper (literally) and reframe your mindset from vanity to longevity.

By targeting those deep core muscles, you mayalleviate back pain,support pelvic floor function1, andimprove posture2.

What is your deep core?

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

Deep core muscles include:

Why is it important to work your deep core muscles?

it’s possible for you to think of your deep core muscles asstabilizers, Smith says.

They can support your spines range of motion and protect you from injury, according to theCleveland Clinic.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

This includes things like bending over and picking up the laundry or playing recreational sports, Smith says.

Dead bug

This movement is powerful for those with low back pain.

Dead bugstarget the transverse abdominis, Smith says.

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

certified personal trainer and owner ofFit Healthy Macros

This move requires you to stabilize your spine while your limbs move separately.

Does Dancing Count as Cardio?

Heres What Experts Say

Glute Bridge vs Hip Thrust: Which Is The Better Booty Booster?

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

Im a Master TrainerHeres Why You Shouldnt Skip Your Post-Run Stretches.

Your internet tool does not support the video tag.

At the same time, the transverse abdominis stabilizes your spine during this motion, Smith says.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

You sustain that activation of the deep core by side planking.

Plank with shoulder tap

Planksengage numerous muscles in your core, including the transverse abdominis and obliques.

J Phys Ther Sci.

2018 Aug;30(8):1014-1018. doi: 10.1589/jpts.30.1014.

Epub 2018 Jul 24.

PMID: 30154592; PMCID: PMC6110226.

Rathore M, Trivedi S, Abraham J, Sinha MB.

Anatomical Correlation of Core Muscle Activation in Different Yogic Postures.

2017 May-Aug;10(2):59-66. doi: 10.4103/0973-6131.205515.

PMID: 28546675; PMCID: PMC5433114.

…

Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.