ActiveWorkoutsSkip sit-ups – these four low-impact exercises are enough to strengthen your deep core musclesEasy on the back, tough on the coreWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveWorkoutsSkip sit-ups – these four low-impact exercises are enough to strengthen your deep core musclesEasy on the back, tough on the coreWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Easy on the back, tough on the core
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Sit-ups may be one of the oldest exercises in the book, but they’re also one of the most hated (alongside Bulgarian split squats). While they may target your external and internal abdominal muscles, they tend to favour those superficial ab muscles more. Plus, they can put a lot of pressure on your lower back! Not a fan? This four-move workout from fitness coach,Elise Young, not only hits more of those deep core muscles, but they’re easier on your lower back and joints too.
Strengthening your deep core muscles will also give you far more than just abs. It’ll help you execute bigger lifts in the gym (think squats and deadlifts), improve your stability, and improve your posture which, in turn can have a big impact on your mental health. A 2014 study published inHealth Psychologyfound that those who sat with better posture during a stressful task had a more positive mood and higher levels of self-esteem, than those who slouched.
When we say this workout is ‘low-impact’ what we mean is there’s no jumping involved and, overall, it’s easy on your spine and joints. Some of the exercises will require either adumbbell/kettlebell, or a heavy water bottle. Elise didn’t advise any reps or sets for these exercises, so we’d suggest aiming for three rounds in total (four if you’re doing it as a standalone workout). Rest for 30-40 seconds between each exercise and 60-90 seconds between rounds. Here are the exercises:
Looking for more core workouts to add into your training? We’ve got plenty! If it’s a floor-based only workout you’re after, which doesn’t involve any planks or crunches, then thisfive-move workoutis a great place to start. But, if you struggle being on your back, then a standing core workout may be better suited, andthis onewill leave your midsection on fire.
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