Contrary to the popular belief, your core extends beyond your abs and obliques.
Your core muscles include everything from your shoulders down to your lower back, obliques, hips, and glutes. Together they provide a muscular framework that protects your internal organs and aids movement (3).
So it’s safe to say that core training should be an important part of your fitness routine.
But not all core exercises are created equal and as effective. While crunches and sit-ups are good, they aren’t enough to give you the core strength you need to keep you back injury-free and your body working at its optimal.
If you want to get a strong core and a tight midsection, try these five recommended core moves below —or try the killer 15-minute core workout at the bottom of the page.