ActiveWorkoutsYou only need this three-move workout to enhance deep core strength, says a fitness expertForget crunches, these are the exercises you should be doing insteadWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveWorkoutsYou only need this three-move workout to enhance deep core strength, says a fitness expertForget crunches, these are the exercises you should be doing insteadWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Forget crunches, these are the exercises you should be doing instead
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
If you think that doing hundreds of crunches is going to give you an effective core workout, think again. Crunches aren’t bad, but they predominantly target the rectus abdominis. These are your superficial ‘six-pack muscles', the ones that run vertically down the middle of your torso. While it is important to strengthen these, it’s your deep core muscles that’ll help you move more efficiently, improve posture, and relieve pain – and this workout targets them in simple three moves.
Your deep core muscles include the transverse abdominis, internal obliques, multifidus, erector spinae, pelvic floor muscles, hip flexors and diaphragm, and it’s these that help provide stability and support. According to Fitness Trainer James Stirling (aka The London Fitness Guy) who’s designed this workout, you should be doing three movement patterns to target these muscles: anti-extension (where you resist extending the spine), anti-lateral flexion (where you resist movement from the side) and anti-rotation (where you resist movement through the mid-section).
We’ve got plenty of other core workouts here on T3. Thisfive-move workoutis perfect for if you don’t own anyhome gym equipment, as it just requires your body weight, and will take no longer than 15 minutes. If you fancy a session away from the floor though (as they can get a bit tedious) try thisthree-move standing core workoutinstead. It will challenge your stability even further and is excellent for improving posture.
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