Core strength is the foundation of every kind of movement, in both fitness and daily life. Lifting heavy weights? Holding an advanced yoga pose? Carrying your groceries or picking up a little one? Your core is a major player in keeping your body stable and secure through it all. While engaging your core is a key component to most fitness moves, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite exercises that specifically home in on this essential body zone. (FYI: Core includes abdominals, back, glutes, and even pelvic floor muscles.) Put a few of these exercises together for a core-specific workout, add them to a bodyweight routine, or simply break one out when you need a midday moment of movement:
