No gym required: 5 simple exercises to sculpt your core
What's the story
You don't need a fancy gym membership or expensive equipment to strengthen your core. By thinking outside the box, you can turn everyday household items into effective workout tools. This not only saves you money but also makes exercising more accessible and convenient. With these exercises, you can work on building a stronger core right from the comfort of your home.
Towel slide
Plank with towels
With two small towels or cloths under your feet on a smooth floor surface, get into a plank position. Tighten your core, and slide one foot out to the side, then back to the center. Repeat on the other side. This move not only works your obliques but also improves your stability. Make sure to keep your form correct throughout to get the most benefit and prevent injury.
Twist Challenge
Water bottle Russian twists
Take two filled water bottles; they will act as weights for this exercise. Sit on the floor with your knees bent, and lean back a little while maintaining a straight back. Hold a bottle in each hand, and rotate your torso from side to side, touching the bottles gently on the floor next to you. This exercise targets both upper and lower abs, making it a very effective workout.
Seated lift
Chair leg raises
Sit on a sturdy chair with feet flat on the ground. Hold onto the edges of the chair for support, raise both knees toward your chest while tensing your core muscles tightly. Lower them slowly without touching down completely before repeating again for several reps; this works your lower abs effectively with just a common household item.
Load up
Backpack weighted sit-ups
Load a backpack with books or whatever weighty stuff you have lying around until it's as heavy as you want it to be but make sure it's not too heavy. Lie flat on a mat or the floor, place the bag across your chest, hold the straps tightly as you crunch up, focusing on using your abs and not your neck or back - essentially, don't hurt yourself!
Bend it out
Broomstick side bends
Stand tall with a broomstick held horizontally overhead and your arms fully extended. Grip the ends tightly. Now, bend sideways to the left, come back to the center, and then bend to the right. Keep alternating for the entire set. This exercise strengthens oblique muscles and improves flexibility, balance, and coordination. Plus, it utilizes a common household item like a broomstick, which most people already have at home.