Isometric core work teaches you to tighten and engage your core muscles and create a strong support base for your extremities.Īdd these isometric holds to your core strength routine:ģ.
"Isometric" comes from "isos" (equal) and "metria" (measuring), and it means that opposing muscles exert the same amount of force unto each other, resulting in no lengthening or contracting.Īlso called static strength training, isometric exercises profoundly improve core strength because they train the exact function your core needs to excel at: remain stable under duress. Planks will improve your core strength in no time.ĭuring an isometric exercise, your muscles contract but do not move. Adding tempos, or specific speed "prescriptions" to your reps (for example, descending for three seconds on a squat), forces you to engage your core for longer and helps you focus on your technique. One other tip: Don't rush through weighted compound exercises. You can use bands, dumbbells, kettlebells or a barbell with plates to add resistance. Many cardio and HIIT movements also engage multiple joints and muscle groups:įor the best improvements to core strength, I recommend focusing on the first group - basic compound movements - and using weights that challenge you. If you're more advanced, these compound movements can challenge your core even more: Also called multijoint exercises, these moves engage several muscle groups at once and require complete stabilization of the core.Įxamples of basic compound movements include: Squats challenge your core more than crunches ever will.Ĭompound exercises represent the single most effective class of workout movements anyone can do.