Get Off the Floor to Strengthen Your Core

Whether it’s lifting ammo cans or loading a truck, a strong core can help you move safely and efficiently. Your core is more than just your abs: It includes lots of other muscles that stabilize your shoulders, hips, and pelvis. Your core muscles are vital when it comes to safely and properly doing functional movements too.

When you’re trying to build a stronger core, variations of planks, sit-ups, and crunches are typically thought of as the go-to moves. Still, it can be hard to strengthen all your core muscles with traditional “ab routines” you do on the ground. And these movements can make your pain worse if you have back problems.

Consider other ways to strengthen your core: Get off the floor! Vertical core training exercises can help build your six-pack as well as improve strength in your back, hips, legs, and shoulders—all critical components of core strength.

In our Vertical Core Training series, you can learn how to properly perform variations of lunges, presses, and medicine ball slams to help improve your total core strength, flexibility, and stability for everyday activities and optimal performance.