5 Workouts to Strengthen Your Core At Home

Your core includes some of the most important muscle groups in your body. Your abs, obliques, lats and pelvic floor muscles make a significant difference in your stability, posture and form. Not only does this mean that your everyday routine is affected by your core strength, but it also affects your ability to achieve results when you condition other muscles in your body. To make sure you get the most out of your workout, check out these five equipment-free exercises to build your core strength.

Plank Tap

This easy twist on the classic plank is a great way to engage your core and challenge yourself as you develop more muscle strength. Plus, they’re also a great workout for your shoulders and glutes, so it’s triple the training!

Start in a plank position with your feet hip-distance apart and your palms shoulder-width apart on the floor.
Alternate picking up your palms to touch the opposite shoulder while maintaining a flat form from your heels to your shoulders.

Warrior Balance

If you’re into yoga (or wish you were), this is a great exercise for building core strength during your regular yoga practice. It doesn’t require a whole lot of flexibility and is easily modified, so whether you’re a seasoned yogi or you’re just starting out, this workout is a must-add to your exercise routine.

Start in a standing position with your elbows at a 90-degree angle at your sides and your palms facing each other. Lift your right knee up so that your thigh is perpendicular to your core and you’re balancing on your left foot.
Reach your arms forward as far as you can reach while you kick your right leg backward. Your body should form a straight, horizontal line while balancing on your left foot.
Hold this pose for three seconds, then return back to your starting position without letting your right foot touch the floor.
Repeat this movement, and make sure to do the opposite leg too!

Twist Reverse Lunge

Lunges aren’t just about your legs! This ultra-popular exercise is just as much about core balance as it is about your glutes and quads. Throw a trunk twist into the mix and you’ve got an awesome full-body workout.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart with your arms out in front of you.
Complete a reverse lunge by stepping your right foot backward. Both of your knees should be at 90-degree angles.
With your arms still stretched out in front of you, twist your torso to the left and hold it for three seconds. Twist back and return to a standing position.
Repeat this exercise on the opposite side, making sure to twist the direction opposite to your rear leg.
Optional: To add an extra challenge, you may choose to hold a dumbbell or kettlebell in front of you while you complete this exercise.

Even though these workouts are great for strengthening your core, they're also awesome examples of how one exercise can target many parts of the body. Our muscles are built to work together, so any movement requires effort from multiple muscle groups at one time. Whether you're doing a plank, squats or even a bench press, you'll find that the more you work out one muscle group, the stronger another gets also. Focus on the strength of your body as a whole and you'll see faster results and greater improvement.