Well, we don’t know if there will be a typical “bathing suit season” this year. But, regardless, great fitness can happen all year round. So, we’ve gathered ten core exercises that can change your fitness game!

Planking

You’ve probably heard of the plank–it’s a favorite for a reason! 

• Lay flat on the ground, and raise yourself on your toes, and onto your forearms.
•  Keep your elbows in a straight line under your shoulders.
• Hold for 30 seconds.

Challenge yourself: Do a hip dip!

• Start in the standard plank position.
• Squeeze your buttock muscles.
• Slowly, bring your left hip towards the ground. 
• Stop right before you touch. 
• Then, bring your right hip to the ground. 
• Do this 15 times. (1)

Crunches

• Lay on your back.
• Then bend your legs, with feet flat on the ground. 
• Keep your feet aligned with your hips. 
• Cross your arms over your chest.
• Tuck your chin towards your chest.
• Raise your shoulders and upper back towards your legs.
• Leave your buttocks and lower back on the ground.
• Do this 12 times. (2)

Warrior Crunches

Despite what the name implies, this is actually a standing exercise!

• Stand with your feet placed slightly wider than your shoulders.
• Turn your toes outward.
• Put your hands behind your head.
• Bend your knees, making a 90° angle with your legs.
• Move your left elbow towards your left knee, bending your body side-to-side.
• Switch, and repeat on the other side.
• Do this 10 times. (2)

Bicycle Crunch

• Lay on your back.
• Bend your knees, with feet flat on the ground.
• Keep your feet aligned with your hips.
• Put your hands behind your head.
• Lift your shoulders and head off the ground.
• SIMULTANEOUSLY:
  • Lift and extend your right leg.
  • Lift your left leg and bring your knee towards your chest.
  • Bring your right elbow towards your left knee.
• Do the other side.
• Repeat eight times. (1,2)

Toe Reach

• Lay on your back.
• Raise your legs to the ceiling.
• Start with hands clasped against your chest.
• Lift your shoulders and upper back off the ground.
• Reach your hands towards your toes.
• Go back to starting position, legs in the air, arms clasped.
• Repeat 15 times. (1)

Leg Raise, Reach Clap

• Lay on your back.
• Raise your legs off the ground, at a 45° angle.
• Raise your legs to the ceiling.
• Curl upper back and shoulder off the floor.
• Clap your hands behind your knees.
• Lower your upper back and shoulders back to the ground, as you bring your legs back to the 45° angle..
• Repeat 15 times. (1)

Opposite Leg/Arm Raise

• Get on your hands and knees.
• Align knees under hips and wrists under legs.
• Raise your left arm in a straight line out from your shoulder, while you raise your right leg straight from your hip.
• Hold for two seconds.
• Lower and repeat with right arm and left leg.
• Do this 10 times. (3)

Single-Leg Stretch

• Lay on your back.
• Raise your legs at a 45° angle.
• Raise your shoulder and upper back off the ground.
• Tuck your chin into your chest.
• Bring your left knee into your chest, clasping it with your hands.
• Hold for two seconds.
• Go back to the starting position and repeat with the right knee.
• Do this 10 times. (3)

The Cobra

• Lay facedown.
• Plant your hands flat on the ground by your chest.
• Lift your upper body off the ground.
• Hold for five seconds
• Lower and repeat 10 times. (3)

Russian Twist

• Sit on the ground.
• Raise and bend your legs, so your shins are parallel to the ground.
• Cross your ankles.
• Clasp your hands.
• Lean your torso back slightly.
• Rotate your upper body from one side to the other.
• Repeat 15 times. (1)