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Having a strong core is key to having an overall healthy body and improved balance. Core exercises can help strengthen the muscles in your abdomen, lower back, and hips which can improve your posture, flexibility, and stability. The core muscles are vital for everyday activities such as lifting objects, bending, and even walking. A strong core will also help you have better balance, both standing and in motion.
Shop The Collection: Push Up BarsThe best ab exercises for improved balance are ones that work the entire core and engage multiple muscle groups. This can help to create more stability and balance through all planes of motion. Here we’ll look at some of the best ab exercises that you can incorporate into your fitness routine to help improve your balance and overall core strength.
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The plank is one of the most effective core exercises for improving balance and stability. It helps to strengthen the abdominal muscles, obliques, lower back, and glutes. This full-body exercise requires you to hold your body in a straight line while engaging all the core muscles. It is important to keep your core engaged during the plank so that your body remains in a straight line from head to toe.
Shop The Collection: Stability & Balance TrainersTo do a plank, start by getting into a pushup position with your hands directly below your shoulders. Make sure your feet are hip-width apart and your body is in a straight line from head to toe. Engage your core by squeezing your abs, glutes, and quads. Hold this position for 30 seconds to 1 minute and then rest for 30 seconds. Do 3-4 sets of planks for maximum benefit.
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The side plank is another great exercise for improving balance and stability. It targets the obliques and other core muscles on the sides of your body. This exercise is performed in a similar way to the regular plank, but instead of holding your body in a straight line you are supporting it on one side while keeping your body in a straight line. To do a side plank, start by lying on your right side with your legs straight and your feet stacked on top of each other. Place your right hand directly below your shoulder and lift your body up off the floor. Hold this position for 30 seconds to 1 minute and then switch sides.
This exercise not only works the core muscles, but also engages the muscles in your arms and shoulders. Doing a side plank regularly can help improve balance, stability, and posture. Try doing 3-4 sets of side planks for 30 seconds to 1 minute for best results.
Mountain climbers are a great exercise for targeting the core and improving balance. This exercise requires you to move your body in a running motion while maintaining a plank position. To do mountain climbers, start in a plank position with your hands directly below your shoulders and your feet hip-width apart. Begin to bring your right knee towards your chest while keeping your left leg extended. Switch legs quickly and repeat the motion for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Make sure you keep your core engaged during the exercise so that your body stays in a straight line.
Mountain climbers are a great full-body exercise that can help improve your balance, core strength, and cardiovascular endurance. Try doing 3-4 sets of mountain climbers for 30 seconds to 1 minute for best results.
Bicycle crunches are a great exercise for targeting the core muscles and improving balance. This exercise requires you to alternate between bringing your right elbow and left knee together, and then your left elbow and right knee together. To do bicycle crunches, start by lying flat on your back with your legs in the air and your hands behind your head. Begin to bring your right elbow towards your left knee while keeping your left leg extended. Switch sides quickly and repeat the motion for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Make sure you keep your core engaged during the exercise so that your body stays in a straight line.
Bicycle crunches are a great exercise for targeting the abdominal muscles and improving balance. Try doing 3-4 sets of bicycle crunches for 30 seconds to 1 minute for best results.
The bird dog is a great exercise for targeting the core muscles and improving balance. This exercise requires you to maintain a tabletop position while extending one arm and opposite leg out. To do the bird dog, start by getting into a tabletop position with your hands directly below your shoulders and your knees directly below your hips. Begin to extend your right arm out in front of you and your left leg out behind you. Hold this position for 30 seconds to 1 minute and then switch sides. Make sure you keep your core engaged during the exercise so that your body stays in a straight line.
The bird dog is a great exercise for targeting the core muscles and improving balance. Try doing 3-4 sets of bird dogs for 30 seconds to 1 minute for best results.
Improving your balance and core strength can be accomplished by incorporating these ab exercises into your fitness routine. All of these exercises require you to engage your core muscles and focus on keeping your body in a straight line. Doing these exercises regularly can help you improve your balance, stability, and overall core strength.
