Make Every Exercises a Core Exercise

Imagine if you there was an exercise routine that allowed you to develop that lean-mean core while exercising your entire body at the same time. Well...there is! In my last article, I gave you 2 exercises that worked the 5 major core muscle groups that we talked about;

1) upper abs
2) lower abs
3) "side" abs
4) twisting muscles
5) stabilizing muscles

If you can find a way to work these muscles with every exercise, you really can "make every exercise a core exercise." That's right, bicycle crunches and funky planks are great, but your core training doesn't have to stop there! Here are some examples of how you can work your core while training other muscle groups:

1) 1-arm dumbbell press on a stability ball - Lie with your shoulders on the stability ball, like you're on a bench. Use your core muscles to keep your shoulders, hips and knees in a straight line. When you're doing your 1-arm bench press your core muscles will also have to work to keep your body from twisting off the ball. It's an outstanding core exercise that also works your chest and triceps.

2) 1-arm cable row - Standing in front of the cable machine, you'll start with your arm extended in front of you and pull the cable handle to your chest. You'll probably notice that it's easy to do this if you twist your trunk, but don't! Keep your body completely straight. This is a great core exercise that also works your biceps and back.

3) Triceps push-down - Just do the classic triceps push-down using an overhead cable machine, except bend your trunk at 45 degrees and keep your abs engaged throughout the entire set.

Any exercise you can do with a cable, you can also do with an exercise band at home. So, no excuses! Also, a 1-arm band press is a great substitute for exercise #1 if you don't have a stability ball. Just stand with your back to the cable machine, grab the handle with 1 hand, and press your fist forward in a "punching" motion. Just make sure you're keeping your core straight by not twisting.