She Strengthens

Get Fit with These 5 Effective Core Exercises

Want to strengthen your core and take your fitness to the next level? Try these 5 exercises that target your abs, obliques, and entire core region.

1. Crunches
Lie faceup with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. With your hands behind your head, lower your chin slightly. Peel your head and shoulders off the floor while engaging your core. Continue curling up until your upper back is off the mat. Hold briefly, then slowly lower your torso back toward the floor.

2. Segmental Rotation
Target those obliques! Lying faceup with your knees bent and core tight, let your knees fall gradually to the left until you feel a good stretch. Hold for 5 seconds, then return to the center. Repeat on the right.

3. Single-Leg Abdominal Press
Lie faceup with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Tighten your abs and raise your right leg, with your knee bent at a 90-degree angle. Push your right hand on top of your lifted knee, using your core to create pressure between your hand and knee. Hold for 5 seconds, then lower back down. Repeat with your left hand and knee.

4. Double-Leg Abdominal Press
Two legs are twice the fun! Follow the same routine as the single-leg press, but bring both legs up at the same time, pushing your hands against your knees.

5. Sprinter Situp
Want to be a speed demon without getting off the floor? Lie faceup with your legs straight and your arms by your sides with your elbows bent at a 90-degree angle. Now, sit up and bring your left knee toward your right elbow. Return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side.

Bonus: 3 Moves to Strengthen Arms
Thanks to our friends at Lululemon for outfitting our model in the Swiftly Tech Racerback and Ebb To Street Pant.