Strengthen Every Muscle in Your Core With These 8 Trainer-Approved Moves

Bird Dog

This is a terrific whole-body technique that challenges stability by incorporating moving limbs against gravity.

Glute Bridge

In the glute bridge position, the core muscles (rectus abdominis, transverse, and obliques) activate to stabilize the core and bottom half of the body.

Clamshell

Clamshells strengthen hips, pelvic floor, and inner and outer thighs. This move is great for runners since a stable pelvis and hips help align ankles and knees.

Dead Bug Crunch

This slow-paced exercise allows for core engagement throughout."It strengthens the spine, transverse abdominis, and core.

Pilates 100s

A qualified Pilates teacher at Old School Pilates, Daniela Mazal, claims Pilates 100s challenge the entire core.

Elbow Plank

An elbow plank works because "it compresses your entire core. Balance, which indicates core strength, improves with this exercise.

Side Plank

This is one of my favorite moves since it targets your obliques without straining your spine.

Bear Hold

The bear hold "provides all of the advantages of a traditional plank pose, with limited minimal pressure on the lower back.