10 Excellent Core Workouts You Can Do at Home

1. Plank: The plank is a classic core exercise that works the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, and obliques. To do a plank, start in a push-up position with your hands directly under your shoulders. Keep your body straight and your feet hip-width apart. Hold the position for 30 seconds to one minute, depending on your fitness level. You can also try variations such as side planks and plank jacks to target the obliques and add some cardio to the mix.

2. Russian twists: Russian twists are a great exercise for strengthening the obliques and improving spinal stability. To do this exercise, sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Hold your hands together in front of your chest and lean back slightly. Rotate your upper body to one side, then back to the center, and then to the other side. Keep your feet on the ground and try to touch your hands to the ground on each side. Do 10-15 reps on each side.

3. Bicycle crunches: Bicycle crunches are another effective exercise for targeting the rectus abdominis and obliques. To do this exercise, lie on your back with your hands behind your head and your knees bent. Lift your head, shoulders, and upper back off the ground and bring your right elbow towards your left knee. Switch sides and bring your left elbow towards your right knee. Continue alternating sides in a pedaling motion. Do 10-15 reps on each side.

4. Leg raises: Leg raises are a simple but effective exercise for strengthening the lower abdominal muscles. To do this exercise, lie on your back with your hands under your lower back for support. Lift your legs off the ground and bring them towards your chest. Lower them back down to the starting position, but don't let them touch the ground. Keep your legs straight and do 10-15 reps. You can also try variations such as side leg raises and reverse leg raises to target different muscle groups.

5. Burpees: Burpees are a full-body exercise that are great for the core because they involve a lot of movement and stability. To do a burpee, start in a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart. Squat down and place your hands on the ground, then kick your feet back into a plank position. Do a push-up, then bring your feet back towards your hands. Jump up and reach for the sky. Do 10-15 reps.

6. Mountain climbers: Mountain climbers are a high-intensity exercise that targets the entire core. To do this exercise, start in a plank position with your hands under your shoulders and your feet hip-width apart. Bring your right knee towards your chest, then switch sides and bring your left knee towards your chest. Continue alternating sides as if you were running in place. Do 10-15 reps on each side.

7. Plank up-downs: Plank up-downs are a challenging variation on the classic plank exercise that requires a lot of core strength and stability. To do this exercise, start in a plank position with your hands under your shoulders and your feet hip-width apart. Lower down onto one elbow, then the other, and then push back up into the plank position. Do 10-15 reps on each side.

8. Russian twists with a medicine ball: This variation on the Russian twist exercise adds an extra challenge by incorporating a medicine ball. To do this exercise, sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Hold a medicine ball with both hands and lean back slightly. Rotate your upper body to one side, then back to the center, and then to the other side. Keep your feet on the ground and try to touch the medicine ball to the ground on each side. Do 10-15 reps on each side.

9. Plank rows: Plank rows are a great exercise for strengthening the upper back and shoulder muscles, as well as the core. To do this exercise, start in a plank position with your hands on a pair of dumbbells. Keep your body straight and your feet hip-width apart. Row one dumbbell up towards your chest, then lower it back down. Switch sides and row the other dumbbell up towards your chest. Do 10-15 reps on each side.

10. Hanging leg raises: Hanging leg raises are a challenging exercise that targets the lower abs and hip flexors. To do this exercise, find a bar or other sturdy object that you can hang from. Grip the bar with an overhand grip and hang with your arms straight. Lift your legs up towards your chest, then lower them back down. Keep your legs straight and do 10-15 reps.

If you do these 10 great core exercises at home, you can strengthen your core, improve your overall stability and balance, and get a stronger, more toned midsection. As with any exercise program, be sure to warm up properly and listen to your body to avoid injury. Happy training!