Done correctly, core exercises can help improve your posture and reduce aches outside of the gym, too, he said. "A weak core is probably one of the main contributors to lower back pain," Ezekh said.

To perform well at virtually any sport you need a strong core, even to play darts or Ping-Pong. Gritchelle Fallesgon for The New York Times The abdominal muscles are just one of the major muscle ...