Having a strong and stable core is nonnegotiable to any fitness goal and workout plan, in my opinion. A strong core will help prevent lower-back pain, stabilize your spine (hello, good posture), and improve your athletic performance whether you're team couch to 5K or a professional athlete.
Although I think the number-one focus when it comes to your core should be strength (and not looks), doing ab exercises for vanity is 100 percent OK. One of my go-to ab exercises that I do for vanity, and is guaranteed to leave me exhausted after a few reps, is toes to bar.
It's hard, but it feels so damn good once you've completed it. If you want your abs to pop, try this move (and also focus on your nutrition for long-term results).
If this move is too advanced, continue reading for four modifications.