Core
Trunk flexion, bracing and hanging leg raise patterns.
Exercises that train the Core
- 3-4 Sit-UpPrimary · Bodyweight
- 45 Degree Bicycle Twist Knee to ElbowPrimary · Bodyweight
- 45 Degree Bicycle TwistingPrimary · Bodyweight
- 45 Degree Bicycle Twisting CrunchPrimary · Bodyweight
- 45 Degree Side BendPrimary · Bodyweight
- 90 Degree Heel TouchPrimary · Bodyweight
- 90 Degree Heels TouchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Ab Mat Sit-UpPrimary · Bodyweight
- Ab TuckPrimary · Bodyweight
- Ab Wheel All the Way OutPrimary · Bodyweight
- Ab Wheel Halfway OutPrimary · Bodyweight
- Ab Wheel Left OutPrimary · Bodyweight
- Ab Wheel PlankPrimary · Bodyweight
- Ab Wheel PulsesPrimary · Bodyweight
- Ab Wheel Right OutPrimary · Bodyweight
- Ab Wheel Take It or Leave ItPrimary · Bodyweight
- Abdominal CrunchesPrimary · Bodyweight
- Abdominal Crunches MachinePrimary · Machine
- Abdominal Crunches with HoldPrimary · Bodyweight
- Abs SnailsPrimary · Bodyweight
- Air BikePrimary · Bodyweight
- Air Bike (Version 2)Primary · Bodyweight
- Air Bike CrunchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Air Twisting CrunchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternate Arm Leg PlankPrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternate Arm Leg Plank HoldPrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternate Arm Leg Plank Rest PausePrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternate Heel Touch Side Kick SquatPrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternate Heel TouchesPrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternate Leg PullPrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternate Leg RaisePrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternate Leg Raise from Reverse Plank PositionPrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternate Leg Raise with HeadPrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternate Leg Raise with Head UpPrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternate Lying Floor Leg RaisePrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternate Oblique CrunchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternate Single Leg Raise PlankPrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternate Single Leg Raises PlankPrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternate Toe Tap Leg LiftPrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternating Leg LiftsPrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternating Oblique Sit-UpPrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternating Plank LungePrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternating Toe TapPrimary · Bodyweight
- Arm Rotation Knee LiftPrimary · Bodyweight
- Arm Tuck Side BendPrimary · Bodyweight
- Assisted Sit-UpPrimary · Bodyweight
- Back LeverPrimary · Bodyweight
- Ball Sit-UpPrimary · Bodyweight
- Ball SlamsPrimary · Bodyweight
- Band Bicycle CrunchPrimary · Resistance band
- Band Decline Sit-UpPrimary · Resistance band
- Band Kneeling CrunchPrimary · Resistance band
- Band Pallof PressPrimary · Resistance band
- Band Side BendPrimary · Resistance band
- Barbell Landmine Side BendPrimary · Barbell
- Barbell RolloutPrimary · Barbell
- Barbell Seated TwistPrimary · Barbell
- Barbell Seated Twist on Exercise BallPrimary · Barbell
- Barbell Side BendsPrimary · Barbell
- Barbell Sit-UpPrimary · Barbell
- Barbell Standing TwistPrimary · Barbell
- Bench Decline Ab Sit-UpPrimary · Bodyweight
- Bench Knee TucksPrimary · Bodyweight
- Bent Knee Lying TwistPrimary · Bodyweight
- Bent Knee Lying Twist (on Stability Ball)Primary · Bodyweight
- Bent Over TwistPrimary · Bodyweight
- Bicycle Twisting CrunchPrimary · Bodyweight
- BicyclesPrimary · Bodyweight
- Bicycles CrunchesPrimary · Bodyweight
- Body ThrowPrimary · Bodyweight
- Bodyweight Front SlamPrimary · Bodyweight
- Bodyweight WindmillPrimary · Bodyweight
- Bodyweight Windmill CutPrimary · Bodyweight
- Bottoms-Up Half RepPrimary · Bodyweight
- Brazilian CrunchesPrimary · Bodyweight
- Bridge with Alternating Leg RaisePrimary · Bodyweight
- Cable Core Pallof PressPrimary · Cable
- Cable Standing CrunchPrimary · Cable
- Cable TwistPrimary · Cable
- Cable Twist (Up-Down)Primary · Cable
- Captains Chair Leg RaisePrimary · Machine
- Captains Chair Straight Leg RaisePrimary · Machine
- Chest Lift with RotationPrimary · Bodyweight
- Control BalancePrimary · Bodyweight
- Crab Twist Toe TouchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Criss Cross Elbow to KneePrimary · Bodyweight
- Criss Cross Leg RaisesPrimary · Bodyweight
- Crunch (Arms Straight)Primary · Bodyweight
- Crunch (Hands Overhead)Primary · Bodyweight
- Crunch (Legs on Stability Ball)Primary · Bodyweight
- Crunch (on BOSU Ball)Primary · Bodyweight
- Crunch (on Stability Ball)Primary · Bodyweight
- Crunch (Straight Leg Up)Primary · Bodyweight
- Crunch FloorPrimary · Bodyweight
- Crunch Frog on FloorPrimary · Bodyweight
- Crunch Leg RaisePrimary · Bodyweight
- Crunch with Medicine BallPrimary · Bodyweight
- Dead BugPrimary · Bodyweight
- Dead Bug Extended ArmsPrimary · Bodyweight
- Decline Bench Full Sit-UpPrimary · Bodyweight
- Decline Bench Oblique Crunches BodyweightPrimary · Bodyweight
- Decline Bench Oblique Crunches DumbbellsPrimary · Dumbbell
- Decline Bent Leg Reverse CrunchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Decline Levitating Sit-Up BodyweightPrimary · Bodyweight
- Decline Shoulder TapPrimary · Bodyweight
- Decline Sit-UpPrimary · Bodyweight
- Decline Sit-Up DumbbellsPrimary · Dumbbell
- Diagonal Chop CablePrimary · Cable
- Diagonal Chop LeftPrimary · Bodyweight
- Diagonal Chop RightPrimary · Bodyweight
- DragonflyPrimary · Bodyweight
- Dumbbell Ab CrunchPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Close Grip Shoulder Press Sit-UpPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Crunch Hold with Legs OffPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Decline Overhead Sit-UpPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Decline Sit-UpPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Diagonal ChopPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Elbow Side PlankPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Half Kneeling Wood ChopperPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Hand Side PlankPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Kneeling Wood ChopperPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Low WindmillPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Overhead Side BendPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Overhead Sit-UpPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Plank PullthroughPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Russian Twist with Legs Floor OffPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Side BendPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Side Lying One Hand RaisePrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Side Plank Up DownPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Side Plank with Rear FlyPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Single Arm Starfish CrunchPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Starfish Crunch AlternatingPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Step-Up with Knee RaisePrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Straight Arm CrunchPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Straight Arm Twisting Sit-UpPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Straight Leg Russian TwistPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Suitcase CrunchPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell V-UpPrimary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbells Plank to Alternating RowPrimary · Dumbbell
- Elbow Push Plank UpPrimary · Bodyweight
- Elbow-Up and Down Dynamic PlankPrimary · Bodyweight
- Exercise Ball Body SawPrimary · Bodyweight
- Exercise Ball Sit-UpPrimary · Bodyweight
- Flat Knee RaisePrimary · Bodyweight
- Flutter KicksPrimary · Bodyweight
- Front Lever RaisePrimary · Bodyweight
- Front Lever Raise to HoldPrimary · Bodyweight
- Hand Stand HoldPrimary · Bodyweight
- Hanging Knee RaisesPrimary · Bodyweight
- Hanging Leg RaisesPrimary · Bodyweight
- Hanging Oblique CrunchesPrimary · Bodyweight
- HeadstandPrimary · Bodyweight
- Heel TouchesPrimary · Bodyweight
- High Cable Kneeling CrunchPrimary · Cable
- High Resistance Band Kneeling CrunchPrimary · Resistance band
- Hold the World Med BallPrimary · Bodyweight
- Hollow HoldPrimary · Bodyweight
- JackknivesPrimary · Bodyweight
- Kettlebell Sit-Up PressPrimary · Kettlebell
- Leg Lift CirclesPrimary · Bodyweight
- Leg Raises (Straight Legs)Primary · Bodyweight
- Long Arm CrunchesPrimary · Bodyweight
- Lying Abs Resistance BandPrimary · Resistance band
- Lying Leg RaisePrimary · Bodyweight
- Middle CrunchesPrimary · Bodyweight
- Oblique CrunchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Over Head Weight Sit-UpPrimary · Bodyweight
- Over Weight Ab CrunchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Plank Cross Knee DrivePrimary · Bodyweight
- Plank JackPrimary · Bodyweight
- Plank Knee TucksPrimary · Bodyweight
- Plank LungesPrimary · Bodyweight
- Plank on ElbowsPrimary · Bodyweight
- Plank Reach ThroughPrimary · Bodyweight
- Plank Reverse Fly with BottlePrimary · Bodyweight
- Plank Shoulder TapsPrimary · Bodyweight
- Raised Leg CrunchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Resistance Band Lying Bent Knee RaisePrimary · Resistance band
- Resistance Band Lying Leg RaisePrimary · Resistance band
- Resistance Band Side Plank Glute RaisePrimary · Resistance band
- Resistance Band Upper Body Dead BugPrimary · Resistance band
- Reverse Ab Wheel RolloutPrimary · Bodyweight
- Reverse CrunchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Reverse Crunch with Kick OutPrimary · Bodyweight
- Russian TwistPrimary · Bodyweight
- Russian Twist Weighted BallPrimary · Bodyweight
- Scissors KickPrimary · Bodyweight
- Seated Floor CrunchesPrimary · Bodyweight
- Seated Flutter KicksPrimary · Bodyweight
- Seated V UpPrimary · Bodyweight
- Side Lying Leg Lift LeftPrimary · Bodyweight
- Side Lying Leg Lift RightPrimary · Bodyweight
- Side PlankPrimary · Bodyweight
- Side Plank Oblique CrunchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Sit-UpPrimary · Bodyweight
- Spider PlankPrimary · Bodyweight
- Standing Ab Wheel RolloutPrimary · Bodyweight
- Standing Cable Oblique TwistPrimary · Cable
- Standing Oblique CrunchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Standing Side Leg RaisesPrimary · Bodyweight
- Star CrunchesPrimary · Bodyweight
- Suspension Trainer with Grips Abdominal FalloutPrimary · Bodyweight
- Suspension Trainer with Grips Hanging Knees to ElbowsPrimary · Bodyweight
- Suspension Trainer with Grips Hanging Leg Hip RaisePrimary · Bodyweight
- Suspension Trainer with Grips Hanging Straight Leg Hip RaisePrimary · Bodyweight
- Suspension Trainer with Grips Inverted Row Arm TwistPrimary · Bodyweight
- Suspension Trainer with Grips Knee Tuck RowPrimary · Bodyweight
- Suspension Trainer with Grips Reverse Ab RolloutPrimary · Bodyweight
- Suspension Trainer with Grips Supine CrunchPrimary · Bodyweight
- V CrunchesPrimary · Bodyweight
- V UpPrimary · Bodyweight
- WalkoutPrimary · Bodyweight
- Wheels to HeavenPrimary · Bodyweight
- Wheels to ToesPrimary · Bodyweight
- Windshield WipersPrimary · Bodyweight
- 180 Jump TurnsSecondary · Bodyweight
- 4 Corners Side StepSecondary · Bodyweight
- 45 Degrees Step OutSecondary · Bodyweight
- Alternate Front Kick in PlaceSecondary · Bodyweight
- Archer Pull-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Archer Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Arm CrossoverSecondary · Bodyweight
- Arm Crossover Chest OutSecondary · Bodyweight
- Arm Double CrossoverSecondary · Bodyweight
- Assisted Chin-Up Normal Width Reverse GripSecondary · Bodyweight
- Assisted Chin-Up on a BenchSecondary · Bodyweight
- Assisted Chin-Up Reverse Close GripSecondary · Bodyweight
- Assisted Chin-Up Reverse Wide GripSecondary · Bodyweight
- Assisted Close Grip Underhand Chin-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Assisted Parallel Close Grip Pull-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Assisted Pull-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Assisted Pull-Up Close GripSecondary · Bodyweight
- Assisted Pull-Up Normal GripSecondary · Bodyweight
- Assisted Pull-Up Wide GripSecondary · Bodyweight
- Assisted Weighted Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Balloon DrillSecondary · Bodyweight
- Band Assisted Chin-Up (from Knee)Secondary · Resistance band
- Band Pull-UpSecondary · Resistance band
- Band Push-UpSecondary · Resistance band
- Basketball Shot JumpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Bear CrawlsSecondary · Bodyweight
- Bench Pull-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Bodyweight Knee ThrustSecondary · Bodyweight
- Bodyweight Knee to Hand TapSecondary · Bodyweight
- Bodyweight Muscle-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Bouncing Circle DrawSecondary · Bodyweight
- Chest Tap Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Chin-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Chin-Up (Isometric and Negative)Secondary · Bodyweight
- Chin-Up (Narrow Parallel Grip)Secondary · Bodyweight
- Chin-Up Reverse Close GripSecondary · Bodyweight
- Chin-Up Reverse Normal GripSecondary · Bodyweight
- Chin-Up Reverse Wide GripSecondary · Bodyweight
- Circle Elbow ArmSecondary · Bodyweight
- Clap JackSecondary · Bodyweight
- Clap Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Clock Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Close Grip Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Close-Reverse Grip Chin-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Cobra Full Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Cobra Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Commando Pull-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Corner TouchSecondary · Bodyweight
- Criss Cross Arms LiftSecondary · Bodyweight
- Criss Cross JackSecondary · Bodyweight
- Criss Cross JumpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Decline Kneeling Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Decline Kneeling Push-Up on BoxSecondary · Bodyweight
- Decline Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Decline Push-Up Against WallSecondary · Bodyweight
- Deep Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Diagonal OpensSecondary · Bodyweight
- Double Knee DriveSecondary · Bodyweight
- Dumbbell Curl Press ExtendSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Single Arm Overhead CarrySecondary · Dumbbell
- Elbow Lift Reverse Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Elbow-ExtensionSecondary · Bodyweight
- Elevated Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Explosive Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Full Planche Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Incline Push-Up (on Box)Secondary · Bodyweight
- Modified Hindu Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Normal Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Pull-Up Normal GripSecondary · Bodyweight
- Pull-Up Wide GripSecondary · Bodyweight
- Pull-Up Wide Grip Front ViewSecondary · Bodyweight
- Push-Up and RotationSecondary · Bodyweight
- Push-Up BodyweightSecondary · Bodyweight
- Rebounder in & Out from GroundSecondary · Machine
- Rebounder in & Out JacksSecondary · Machine
- Rebounder Knee JumpsSecondary · Machine
- Rebounder Knee PushesSecondary · Machine
- Rebounder Light JumpsSecondary · Machine
- Resistance Band Assisted Push-UpSecondary · Resistance band
- Side Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Side to Side Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Standing Toe TouchSecondary · Bodyweight
- Star JumpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Supine Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Suspension Trainer with Grips Chin-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Suspension Trainer with Grips Decline Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Suspension Trainer with Grips PikeSecondary · Bodyweight
- Suspension Trainer with Grips Pull-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Suspension Trainer with Grips Push-Up to Side PlankSecondary · Bodyweight
- Suspension Trainer with Grips Reverse Push-UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Tennis Forehand Ground StrokeSecondary · Bodyweight
- Wide Push-Up BodyweightSecondary · Bodyweight
- 3 Leg Chaturanga PosePrimary · Bodyweight
- Abdominal StretchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Abdominal Stretch (Version 2)Primary · Bodyweight
- Alternating Leg Downward DogPrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternating Lunge with RotationPrimary · Bodyweight
- Archer Step BackPrimary · Bodyweight
- Archer StepbackPrimary · Bodyweight
- Backward Abdominal StretchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Bench Reverse Plank HoldPrimary · Bodyweight
- Bird DogPrimary · Bodyweight
- Bird Dog (Version 2)Primary · Bodyweight
- Boat StretchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Body Saw PlankPrimary · Bodyweight
- Chair PosePrimary · Bodyweight
- Cobra Side Ab StretchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Cobra StretchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Cobra Yoga Pose HoldPrimary · Bodyweight
- Crab PosePrimary · Bodyweight
- Crow PosePrimary · Bodyweight
- Downward Dog SprintPrimary · Bodyweight
- Downward Dog Toe to HeelPrimary · Bodyweight
- Downward Dog with Fingers Facing FeetPrimary · Bodyweight
- Easy Seated Twist PosePrimary · Bodyweight
- Extended Side AnglePrimary · Bodyweight
- Extended Side Angle PosePrimary · Bodyweight
- Extended Side Angle Pose with BlockPrimary · Bodyweight
- Gate Pose Variation Arm Extended on SidePrimary · Bodyweight
- Half Monkey PosePrimary · Bodyweight
- High PlankPrimary · Bodyweight
- Lying (Prone) Abdomen StretchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Lying (Prone) Abdominal StretchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Lying Bench Internal Rotation StretchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Lying Crossover StretchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Seated Side StretchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Side Lying Floor StretchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Side Lying Parsva Savasana VariationPrimary · Bodyweight
- Side Plank with Hip LiftPrimary · Bodyweight
- Standing Lateral StretchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Standing Side Slope StretchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Bridge Hip AbductionSecondary · Bodyweight
- Bridge Pose Setu BandhasanaSecondary · Resistance band
- Cat PoseSecondary · Bodyweight
- Cat StretchSecondary · Bodyweight
- Child PoseSecondary · Bodyweight
- Child Pose Arms Extended Left RightSecondary · Bodyweight
- Child Pose Arms on SideSecondary · Bodyweight
- Child Pose Elbows on BlockSecondary · Bodyweight
- Child Pose UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Crescent Moon PoseSecondary · Bodyweight
- Crossover Kneeling Hip Flexor StretchSecondary · Bodyweight
- Exercise Ball Hip Flexor StretchSecondary · Bodyweight
- Exercise Ball Lower Back Dynamic StretchSecondary · Bodyweight
- Exercise Ball Lower Back Prone StretchSecondary · Bodyweight
- Gate Pose Rounding Spine Looking UpSecondary · Bodyweight
- Kneeling Hip Flexor StretchSecondary · Bodyweight
- Legs Hand Reach Spine StretchSecondary · Bodyweight
- Lying Hip Flexor StretchSecondary · Bodyweight
- Runner StretchSecondary · Bodyweight
- Air Punches MarchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternate PunchingPrimary · Bodyweight
- Boxing JabPrimary · Bodyweight
- Boxing Left HookPrimary · Bodyweight
- Boxing Left UppercutPrimary · Bodyweight
- Boxing Right CrossPrimary · Bodyweight
- Boxing Right HookPrimary · Bodyweight
- Boxing Right UppercutPrimary · Bodyweight
- Bridge - Mountain Climber (Cross Body)Primary · Bodyweight
- Diagonal PunchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Double Punch Front Leg LiftPrimary · Bodyweight
- High Knee TwistPrimary · Bodyweight
- Mountain ClimbersPrimary · Bodyweight
- Shadow BoxingPrimary · Bodyweight
- Side to Side PunchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Battle Rope Alternating Arm WavesSecondary · Bodyweight
- Battle Rope Double Arm SlamsSecondary · Bodyweight
- BurpeeSecondary · Bodyweight
- Butt KicksSecondary · Bodyweight
- Butt Kicks SlowSecondary · Bodyweight
- Dumbbell BurpeeSecondary · Dumbbell
- Fast FeetSecondary · Bodyweight
- Half BurpeesSecondary · Bodyweight
- High KneesSecondary · Bodyweight
- Jumping JackSecondary · Bodyweight
- Rebounder High Knee RunsSecondary · Machine
- Ski Ergometer Cross Country Ski Alternating Arm PullsSecondary · Machine
- Ski Ergometer Cross Country Ski Basic PullSecondary · Machine
- Ski Ergometer Cross Country Ski Face Biceps Curl PullSecondary · Machine
- Ski Ergometer Cross Country Ski FlyesSecondary · Machine
- Ski Ergometer Cross Country Ski Reverse Triceps Extension PullSecondary · Machine
- Ski Ergometer Cross Country Ski Triceps Extension PullSecondary · Machine
- Suspension Trainer with Grips Mountain ClimberSecondary · Bodyweight
How to train it
Train the Core with 2–4 of the movements above. Cover different angles, use 2–4 sets each in a 6–15 rep range, and progress the load over time. Pair primary lifts with assisting movements for complete development.
Open the muscle planner →Core FAQ
What are the best exercises for the Core?
3-4 Sit-Up, 45 Degree Bicycle Twist Knee to Elbow, 45 Degree Bicycle Twisting and 45 Degree Bicycle Twisting Crunch are among the most effective core exercises. Pair a heavy compound movement with one or two assistance exercises to train the core through its full range.
How often should you train the Core?
Training the core two to three times per week, with roughly 10–20 hard sets in total, works well for most lifters. Leave about 48 hours between demanding core sessions so the muscle can recover and grow.