Core Curriculum

Six-packs are great, but your abs have a higher purpose, says Joe Spor, fitness manager at Andre Agassi Super Sport in Las Vegas. “When those muscles are strong, they look good, of course. But more importantly, they provide a foundation of core strength that allows you to exercise safely and continue improving in other workouts.” Slip these six core exercises into your daily routine, and you’ll build your abs and your overall fitness at the same time.

On the Move
Three rapid-fire exercises you can weave into your day at work or at home without making your colleagues or kids think you have a break-dancing fetish.

Stability Ball Sit-down  Where you can, swap your desk chair for a stability ball—you’ll force yourself to activate and hold your core muscles while at the keyboard. Start with 30 minutes, and stretch it out to an hour or more as you feel more comfortable.

Windmill Toe Touches  Stand with your feet a little more than shoulder width apart, draw in your belly button, bend your knees, and touch one foot with the opposite hand. Rise to standing, and repeat with the other hand. Start with three sets of 12 reps.

Leg Balancing  Standing on one foot with hands at your sides, draw in your belly button to activate your core muscles, and lean to the side of the planted foot. Hold the lean for 15 seconds, then switch to the other foot. Repeat four to six times.

On the Mat
Floor-based routines perfect for getting your blood pumping before hopping in the shower at home or at the gym.

Quadruped Position With your hands and knees on the floor (on all fours), draw in your belly button, holding your core muscles up against gravity for 15 seconds. Start with three sets of 12 reps.

The Prone Cobra With your stomach on the ground, your feet together and legs straight, and your arms at your sides, draw in your abs, squeeze your butt, and pinch together your shoulder blades to lift your chest, legs, and arms an inch or two off the ground. Hold for 15 seconds, and repeat 10 times.

Floor Bridge Lying on your back with your knees bent and arms flat on the floor (palms flat), press your torso off the ground, using your core muscles to balance for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times.