Many of us associate doing endless sit-ups and striving for washboard abs with strengthening our core. But your core consists of much more than just your abs. Your back, sides, buttocks, and hips, extending from below your breastbone down to your thighs, are all part of your core.

You may perform various daily motions that involve twisting, bending, or turning your body with the assistance of a strong core. A strong core makes it easier to do anything, including getting out of a chair, lifting heavy groceries, and reaching for items on higher shelves.

Adding muscle to your core can also:

• Lower back pain relief and prevention.
• Boost efficiency in a variety of sports, including tennis, golf, running, swimming, and cycling.
• Assist in preventing falls as you age.
• Boost your endurance.
• Lessen the chance of damage.

Yoga, Pilates, swimming, beach volleyball, kayaking or canoeing, rollerblading, surfing or stand-up paddle boarding, using a hula hoop, or performing the most well-known core exercise, the plank, are all activities that are particularly good at targeting your core. They also include abdominal crunches.