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Core Exercises for Trunk Strength and Control

Explore core exercises using bodyweight, cables, and weights, with practical technique tips and guidance for building trunk control safely.

Core exercises train the muscles around your trunk, including the abdominals, lower back, and hips. They appear in strength training, conditioning, and functional movement practice.

What are core exercises?

This category includes movements that stabilize, flex, rotate, or load the trunk under control. Examples include planks, dead bugs, sit-ups, carries, and drills using cables or a medicine ball. The demands vary: some exercises emphasize endurance, while others focus more on strength, coordination, or resistance to movement.

Practical training guidance

Keep your ribcage and pelvis controlled and avoid using momentum to complete a repetition. Select a variation you can perform with consistent technique, then increase resistance gradually when using weights, cables, or a medicine ball. Stop if you feel sharp pain and seek qualified coaching if you are unsure about your form.

1.225 exercises

Core Clear filter
One-Arm Dumbbell Zottman Preacher Curl

One-Arm Dumbbell Zottman Preacher Curl

The One-Arm Dumbbell Zottman Preacher Curl is a unique exercise that targets the development of the biceps and forearms. This exercise combines a traditional curl with a wrist rotation, training not only the biceps but also the muscles in the forearms. Execution Find a preacher bench and hold a

Biceps Strength Training
One-Arm Triceps Pushdown

One-Arm Triceps Pushdown

The One-Arm Triceps Pushdown is an effective exercise for isolating and strengthening your triceps. Using one arm at a time allows you to focus on the muscle contraction and correct any imbalance between the arms. Execution Stand upright in front of a cable machine with the pulley set to a high

Triceps Strength Training
Overhead Cable Triceps Extension

Overhead Cable Triceps Extension

If you're looking for an effective way to strengthen and define your triceps, the Overhead Cable Triceps Extension is an excellent choice. This exercise uniquely isolates the triceps by using a cable machine, providing constant resistance throughout the entire movement. Execution Set the cable m

Triceps Strength Training
Overhead Raise + Knee Tap

Overhead Raise + Knee Tap

The Overhead Raise + Knee Tap is a dynamic exercise that requires both strength and coordination. This exercise combines an overhead press with a knee raise, training not only your upper body but also your core and lower body. What makes this exercise unique is that it helps improve your balance and

Shoulders Cardio
Overhead Shoulder Press

Overhead Shoulder Press

The Overhead Shoulder Press is a powerful exercise that focuses on strengthening your shoulders, arms, and upper body. This compound movement is essential for building a strong upper body and improving your overall functional strength. Execution Begin by positioning the dumbbells at shoulder hei

Shoulders Strength Training
Overhead Squat

Overhead Squat

The squat is one of the best-known exercises for the legs. It is a compound exercise; an exercise that involves multiple joints and muscle groups. This is evident from the long list of muscles involved, as listed above. There can be many differences in the way the squat is performed, such as with or

Quads Strength Training
Parallel Bars Pull-Up

Parallel Bars Pull-Up

The Parallel Bars Pull-Up is an effective exercise for strengthening your upper body. This exercise uses your own body weight and is ideal for developing strength and muscle mass in your arms, shoulders, and back. Execution Begin by gripping the parallel bars with an overhand grip, with your h

Lats Strength Training
Paused Bench Press

Paused Bench Press

The bench press, or “bench pressing,” is one of the most popular exercises in strength training. It is also one of the three powerlifting exercises, alongside the squat and deadlift. It is a compound exercise that engages several large muscle groups. The chest muscles and front shoulder muscles are

Chest Strength Training
Pec Deck Machine Fly

Pec Deck Machine Fly

So-called fly exercises are popular exercises for isolating the chest muscles as much as possible. The primary function during this exercise is pulling the upper arms forward through the pectoralis major. Because the arms maintain the same curve throughout the movement, the triceps are required much

Chest Strength Training
Peck Deck Fly Machine

Peck Deck Fly Machine

The Peck Deck Fly Machine is an effective exercise for strengthening and isolating the chest muscles. It offers a unique way to train your chest without placing too much load on the shoulders and triceps, which often happens with traditional chest exercises such as the bench press. Execution Sit

Chest Strength Training
Pendlay Row

Pendlay Row

If you are looking for an effective way to strengthen your back muscles, the Pendlay Row is an excellent choice. This exercise, named after weightlifting coach Glenn Pendlay, focuses on an explosive movement from the floor, offering unique benefits for strength and muscle growth. Execution Begin

Back Strength Training
Penguin

Penguin

The Penguin is an effective abdominal exercise that targets the obliques and improves core stability. This exercise is unique because it is low-impact yet highly effective for strengthening your core and defining your waist. Execution Lie on your back on a mat, with your knees bent and your feet

Obliques Strength Training
Personal Training

Personal Training

Personal Training is a tailored fitness experience focused on your unique goals and needs. It gives you the opportunity to work under the guidance of a professional trainer on your strength, endurance, and overall fitness. The personal attention helps ensure that your technique is perfect and that y

Full-body training Cardio
Pike Press

Pike Press

The pike press, also called a Pike push up, falls somewhere between a shoulder press and a push up in terms of exercise. In other words, between a handstand push up and a normal push up. A handstand push up is, after all, a shoulder press using body weight as resistance. The adjusted angle therefore

Shoulders Strength Training
Pike Push-Up

Pike Push-Up

The pike push-up, also called Pike press, falls somewhere between a shoulder press and a push-up. In other words, between a handstand push-up and a regular push-up. After all, a handstand push-up is a shoulder press using body weight as resistance. The altered angle therefore places more emphasis on

Shoulders Strength Training
Pike Push-Up

Pike Push-Up

The Pike Push-Up is a challenging variation of the traditional push-up that targets the shoulders, upper back, and triceps. This exercise is unique because it emphasizes the shoulders and is ideal for building strength and stability in the upper-body muscles. Execution Begin in a high plank posi

Shoulders Strength Training
Pike Push-up

Pike Push-up

The Pike Push-up is an excellent exercise that targets the shoulders, upper back, and triceps. It is a variation of the traditional push-up that places extra emphasis on the shoulders, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their shoulder strength and shape. Execution Begin

Shoulders Strength Training
Pilates

Pilates

Pilates is a form of exercise focused on strengthening your core muscles, improving your posture, and increasing your flexibility. What makes Pilates unique is that it trains not only your body but also engages your mind and breathing with every movement. Execution Start by finding a comfortable

Full-body training Strength Training
Pile Squats

Pile Squats

Introduction: Pile squats are a variation of the traditional squat that targets your inner thighs, glutes, and hamstrings. This exercise helps improve your flexibility and balance. Execution: Start with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing outward. Keep your back straigh

Quads Strength Training
Pistol Squat

Pistol Squat

The pistol squat is a challenging exercise for the legs and core. Below is a step-by-step explanation of how to perform this exercise: Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lift one leg and extend it forward so that you are standing on one leg. Keep your other leg straight and bent, wi

Quads Strength Training
Pistol Squat

Pistol Squat

The Pistol Squat, also known as the single-leg squat, is an advanced bodyweight exercise that offers an excellent way to develop strength, balance, and flexibility in your lower body. This exercise is unique because it not only challenges your muscles but also tests your balance and coordination. E

Quads Strength Training
Plank Bird Dog

Plank Bird Dog

Introduction: The Plank Bird Dog is a dynamic core-strengthening exercise that combines stability and balance. This exercise integrates the challenge of the plank with the coordination of the bird dog, making it an excellent choice for improving overall body control and functional strength. Executi

Abs Strength Training
Plank Jack

Plank Jack

The Plank Jack is a dynamic variation of the traditional plank that not only strengthens your core but also raises your heart rate. This exercise combines the stability of a plank with the cardio of jumping jacks, making it an excellent addition to any workout. Execution Begin in a standard plan

Abs Cardio
Plank Jacks

Plank Jacks

Introduction: Plank jacks are a dynamic variation of the traditional plank exercise. They combine the stability of a plank with the cardiovascular intensity of jumping jacks, creating a challenging full-body workout. Execution: Begin in a standard plank position with your hands directly under your

Full-body training Cardio