Great Posture and Fitness – The 5 Best Core Stability Exercises

Core stability exercises improve torso strength as a whole. These exercises target many muscles in the torso including abdominal muscles, internal/external obliques, and muscles that run along the spine. Why do these muscles need to be improved?

Any good set of exercise routines include core strengthening exercises. The purpose of this is to improve your overall fitness level and help avoid injuries. Without strong core muscles to support your bones, you will be prone to back and neck pains even while doing normal daily activities.

One of the most important aspects of core stability training programs is that you need to address all muscle groups of the torso in a balanced way. Here are the five best exercises that will give you a good starting point.

1. Straight Crunch. This classic exercise move strengthens the “6-pack abs” part of the upper body.

2. Crossover Crunch. The crossover crunch helps strengthen the side and front abdomen by adding twist in the typical straight crunch.

3. Back Extension. Start by laying down on your stomach and then start contracting your back muscles. This will help work out muscles along your spine.

4. Arm Sweep. Sitting down in a slightly leaned-back position, the outstretched arms are moved in a helicopter like circle, twisting your upper body back and forth around your hips. This targets the external obliques.

5. Plank or Push-Up. This exercise strengthens the transverse abdominals (muscles that are deep within your abdomen and are wrapped around the spine). These muscles are most responsible for stabilizing your spine so they are necessary to help avoid back pains.

Performing these exercises in a balanced way will favor a specific muscle group in each exercise while working out the complete core training package. It may be best to get yourself a personal trainer, especially during the beginning stages of core stability training. That way you can quickly achieve great results as fast as possible. After such quick success from personal trainer help, you can then move on to more advanced exercises to maintain good core strength.

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