7 effective home exercises to strengthen your core muscles

Exercises to strengthen your core. Each exercise targets different areas of your core, helping you achieve a sculpted and toned midsection. (Image: Canva)

Strengthening your core is essential for overall fitness and stability. A strong core not only helps you perform daily activities with ease but also reduces the risk of injuries and improves posture. Each exercise targets different areas of your core, helping you achieve a sculpted and toned midsection.

Remember to focus on proper form and technique for each exercise, gradually increasing intensity and duration as you progress, Delhi-based health and fitness coach Marcelle D’souza. Consistency is key, so make these exercises a regular part of your workout routine to see noticeable improvements in your core strength and definition over time.

Let's get started on the journey to a stronger, tighter core!

Plank: Start in a push-up position, but with your weight resting on your forearms instead of your hands. Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels, engaging your core muscles throughout, says D’Souza. Hold this position for as long as you can, aiming for at least 30 seconds to start and gradually increasing your time as you get stronger.

Russian twists: Sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat. Lean back slightly and lift your feet off the ground, balancing on your sit bones, says D’Souza. Hold your hands together in front of you, and twist your torso to the right, bringing your hands towards the floor beside your hip. Return to the center and then twist to the left. Continue alternating sides for a set number of reps.

Bicycle crunches: Lie on your back with your hands behind your head and your knees bent. Lift your shoulder blades off the ground and bring your right elbow towards your left knee while simultaneously straightening your right leg. Then switch, bringing your left elbow towards your right knee while straightening your left leg. Continue alternating sides in a pedaling motion.

Leg raises: Lie on your back with your legs straight and your arms by your sides. Lift your legs off the ground until they are perpendicular to the floor, keeping them straight and your lower back pressed into the ground. Slowly lower your legs back down without letting them touch the floor, then lift them back up. Repeat for a set number of reps.

Dead Bug: Lie on your back with your arms extended towards the ceiling and your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Slowly lower your right arm and left leg towards the floor, keeping them close to the ground without touching it, says D’souza. Return to the starting position and then lower your left arm and right leg. Continue alternating sides.

Mountain climbers: Start in a plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders. Engage your core and bring your right knee towards your chest, then quickly switch legs, bringing your left knee towards your chest while extending your right leg back. Continue alternating legs at a fast pace, as if you are running in place.

Flutter kicks: Lie on your back with your hands under your glutes for support. Lift your legs off the ground a few inches and alternate kicking them up and down in a quick, fluttering motion. Keep your core engaged and your lower back pressed into the ground throughout the movement.

Remember to perform each exercise with proper form and control, and gradually increase the intensity as you get stronger. Consistency is key when it comes to seeing results in your core strength and tightening.