Straighten your knees so your body forms a straight line. Keep your core tight. Beginners should aim for 3 sets of 20-second holds, while advanced level should complete 3 sets of 45-second holds.

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 ...

These days, everyone wants a strong core and abs, but great core exercises don’t necessarily hit your abdominal muscles and ab exercises don’t always work your deep core muscles. So ...