Club Benefits
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
Daily (Mon-Sun)
Tom's Guide Daily
Sign up to get the latest updates on all of your favorite content! From cutting-edge tech news and the hottest streaming buzz to unbeatable deals on the best products and in-depth reviews, we’ve got you covered.
Weekly on Thursday
Tom's AI Guide
Be AI savvy with your weekly newsletter summing up all the biggest AI news you need to know. Plus, analysis from our AI editor and tips on how to use the latest AI tools!
Weekly on Friday
Tom's iGuide
Unlock the vast world of Apple news straight to your inbox. With coverage on everything from exciting product launches to essential software updates, this is your go-to source for the latest updates on all the best Apple content.
Weekly on Monday
Tom's Streaming Guide
Our weekly newsletter is expertly crafted to immerse you in the world of streaming. Stay updated on the latest releases and our top recommendations across your favorite streaming platforms.
Join the club
Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.
Building a stronger core takes dedication and consistency, but thankfully, you don't need to stick to traditional ab exercises like sit-ups or the standard plank. This five-move routine includes a mix of core-blasting exercises and requires no equipment, so you can get started right away.
The exercises in this routine from trainer Sandy Sklar are a combination of dynamic and static core movements designed to build overall core strength, stability, and endurance.
If you currently suffer from an injury or health condition, consult a qualified medical professional before trying a new exercise regime.
Watch Sandy Sklar's 5-Move Core Workout
Starting with the Bicycle Crunch that includes a three-count pause, you'll be honing in on your obliques and rectus abdominis. The added hold at the end is there to challenge and improve muscle endurance and control in your core and will also contribute to developing a toned midsection.
The Large Flutter Kicks will target your lower abs and hip flexors. Raising your hands up for your legs to tap against at the top of the move will add in some extra resistance and increase the level of muscle engagement.
Next up, sticking to the lower abs, taking a crunch, reversing it and adding in a hip raise is a sure way to fire up the muscles nearer the bottom of your midsection. The addition of a hip raise to this move will increase the core engagement and target the muscles in your lower back.
Adding in a little upper body to things, the High Plank to Plank Jack will work the entire core region all the while adding in some work for your shoulder. Maintaining a strong stance in the plank position while working through the entire move will benefit your balance, stability and coordination.
The penultimate move, the Blast Off Plank, takes the standard plank but advances it with the 'blast off' variation, which will require some mobility work as you lean backwards and launch into the end position. Your core, shoulders and legs will be at work here and it will benefit your overall functional fitness as well as core endurance.
Finishing on a high, you'll take on the Three Count Mountain Climbers. Sklar seems to have a thing for three or at least a thing for making you work hard to make those gains. This move incorporates the core, shoulders, and legs and uses the three-count pause to increase muscle engagement and control, improving your core strength and stability.
More from Tom's Guide
- Forget weights — you only need 10 minutes and this 7-move workout to build full-body strength and muscle
- You don't need planks to build core muscle — try this 3-move kettlebell ab workout instead
- Forget burpees — you only need 20 minutes and 5 moves to build full-body muscle with this kettlebell workout
