The 10 Best Ab Exercises to Strengthen Your Core

The Pilates curl is also referred to as the C-shape curl; this movement targets the deepest part of your core, the transversus abdominis. "It's a simple exercise but when done properly it has a profound effect on the strength of your core," Brandenburg says. "It also helps alleviate back pain."

Planks are a great way to engage multiple areas of your core at once. This hold activates your rectus abdominis, obliques, and transverse abdominis. "Planks are a must if you want a strong core," says Abdelhamid.

Leg raises are a great exercise for all levels. It strengthens both your transversus and rectus abdominals. "It's a great exercise for beginners and it also doesn't take many reps to feel your core working deeply," Brandenberg says.

Note: If you begin to arch your back, only lower your legs to the point your back remains grounded.

Modifications:

V-ups are a powerhouse movement that works the rectus abdominis, external and internal obliques, as well as your lower abs. "This is one of the best overall exercises you can do for your abs," Abdelhamid says. "They are great for stabilization. If you're ever in a time crunch these should be your go to option."

Criss-cross is one of Joseph Pilates' (founder of Pilates) original mat exercises. Like the traditional bicycle crunch
, it similarly targets the obliques. However, the main difference is the emphasis on keeping elbows wide to increase rotation. "Rotation is an important function in our everyday lives," Brandenburg says and this exercise offers a practical and effective way to target rotational strength.

Russian twists focus on the internal and external obliques, as well as aid in spine strength. "It's important to strengthen our core in every angle and these help strengthen your overall rotation," Abdelhamid says. Exercises like this also help to maintain and increase spine health to ensure you have a better quality of life as you age.

The back is a key component in having a holistically strong core, which should be engaged throughout the exercise. Bent over rows also work vital muscles in your posterior chain that when strengthened reduce lower back pain, develop your trapezius, and strengthen your latissimus dorsi. I personally encourage clients to do this exercise because it helps build muscles that support your body from the center and improves your overall posture.

The superman exercise is another example of how multiple muscle groups are working at once. Not only will this movement help build up and support a strong core, it activates the lower back and glutes. And wen done consistently it reduces lower back pain, can improve posture, and enhance your overall athletic performance. As a trainer and someone who previously had consistent lower back pain, I can attest to the positive benefits of implementing supermans into your workout regimen.

Bridges mainly target the glutes, but the hip extension targets the transversus abdominis as well. When performed consistently this exercise can increase overall core stability, develop glute strength, and enhance your overall fitness performance in activities such as running, deadlifts, and squats.

Good mornings activate various muscle groups along your posterior chain while activating and engaging your core. Outside of working major leg muscles it also works the gluteus maximus, erector spinae, and lower back muscles. If you practice this posture with good form consistently you can increase your leg and back strength. I recommend this exercise because it helps improve overall mobility and stability in your body.