No crunches core workout: Build strong abs
Are you tired of doing endless crunches in pursuit of a stronger core? While traditional crunches can be effective, they’re not the only way to target and strengthen your midsection.
There are many exercises that can help you achieve a strong, stable core without ever doing a single crunch. That’s the focus of this blog post: a “No Crunches Core Workout” that will challenge your abs, obliques and lower back muscles while promoting stability and balance throughout your entire body.
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The benefits of a strong core go far beyond a toned midsection. Strong abdominal muscles can improve your posture, reduce your risk of injury and even enhance your athletic performance.
And the best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or a gym membership to get a great core workout. All you need is your body weight for abdominal exercises.
So if you’re ready to give your crunches a break and try a new approach to core training, keep reading for a detailed guide to a no crunches core workout.
The basics of core training
Your core muscles are the foundation of your body’s strength and stability. While many people think of the “core” as just their abs, it encompasses a variety of muscles throughout your torso and hips. Some of the key muscles that make up your core include:
- Rectus abdominis: These muscles are commonly known as the “six-pack.” They run vertically down the front of your abdomen and help flex your spine.
- Obliques: These muscles are located on the sides of your abdomen and help you rotate and twist your torso.
- Transverse abdominis: This muscle is located deep in your abdomen and helps stabilize your spine and pelvis.
- Erector spinae: These muscles run along your spine and help you maintain good posture.
- Hip flexors: These muscles connect your pelvis to your thighs and are important for many movements, including walking and running.
A strong core can improve your overall fitness in numerous ways. For one, it can help you maintain good posture, which can reduce strain on your back and neck.
A strong core can also enhance your athletic performance, whether you’re a runner, weightlifter or weekend warrior. A strong core can also help prevent injuries by providing stability and support during movements involving your torso and hips.
Exercises for a No Crunches Core Workout
Planks
Planks are a classic core exercise that can be done anywhere without any equipment.
- Start in a push-up position, but instead of lowering yourself to the ground, hold your body in a straight line from head to heels.
- Make sure your shoulders are directly over your wrists and your core is engaged.
- Hold for as long as you can.
Tip: Avoid arching your back or letting your hips sag toward the ground. Keep your neck in a neutral position.
Variations: Up-down plank, plank dips, low plank, side planks, bear hold plank
Planks can be modified to make them easier or more challenging. For beginners, start with a modified plank on your knees instead of your toes. For a greater challenge, try lifting one leg or arm off the ground while holding the plank.
Plank variations are effective for targeting your entire core, including your abs, obliques and lower back. They also promote stability and balance throughout your body.
Mountain climbers
Mountain climbers are a dynamic exercise that combines core work with cardiovascular conditioning.
- Start in a push-up position.
- Bring your left knee toward your chest while extending your right leg behind you.
- Alternate legs quickly, as if you are running in place.
- Keep your core engaged and your hips level. Avoid letting your butt stick up in the air or sagging your hips toward the ground.
Mountain climbers can be modified to make them easier or more challenging, depending on your fitness level. For beginners, try slowing down the pace or bringing one knee toward your chest at a time. For a greater challenge, try bringing your knees to your elbows instead of your chest.
Mountain climbers are effective for targeting your core and improving your cardiovascular fitness. They also work your arms, shoulders, and legs, making them a great full-body exercise.
Russian twists
- Sit on the ground with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
- Lean back slightly, engage your core, and lift your feet off the ground.
- Hold a weight or medicine ball with both hands and twist your torso to the right and left.
Tip: Avoid rounding your spine or letting your feet touch the ground.
Russian twists are effective for targeting your obliques and your entire core. They also improve your rotational strength and stability.
Flutter kicks
- Lie on your back with your legs extended and your hands under the small of your back.
- Lift your feet a few inches off the ground, then kick them up and down in a scissor-like motion.
- Keep your lower back pressed into the ground and your core engaged throughout the exercise. Avoid arching your back or letting your feet touch the ground.
Flutter kicks are effective for targeting your lower abs and hip flexors. They also improve your endurance and stamina in these muscle groups.
Toe touches
Toe touches are a classic exercise for targeting your upper abs.
- Lie on your back with your legs extended and your arms reaching overhead.
- Lift your upper body off the ground and reach your arms towards your feet, touching your toes or ankles.
- Keep your lower back pressed into the ground and your core engaged throughout the exercise.
Tip: Avoid pulling on your neck or rounding your spine.
Toe touches are effective for targeting your upper abs and improving your core strength.
Stability Ball Pass
Using a stability ball can add an extra challenge to your core workout.
- Lie on your back with a stability ball in your hands.
- Lift your legs and arms off the ground simultaneously, holding the ball between your hands and feet.
- Pass the ball from your hands to your feet and back again, keeping your core engaged and your back pressed into the ground.
Stability ball passes are effective for targeting your entire core, including your upper and lower abs and obliques. They also improve your coordination and stability.
No crunches core workout routine
Now that you know the basics of core training for a no crunches core workout, it’s time to put it all together into a workout routine.
Here is a sample workout:
Planks: Perform 3 sets of 30-60 seconds, resting for 30 seconds between each set.
Mountain climbers: Perform 3 sets of 30-60 seconds, resting for 30 seconds between each set.
Russian twists: Perform 3 sets of 12-15 reps, resting for 30 seconds between each set.
Flutter kicks: Perform 3 sets of 30-60 seconds, resting for 30 seconds between each set.
Toe touches: Perform 3 sets of 12-15 reps, resting for 30 seconds between each set.
Stability ball passes: Perform 3 sets of 12-15 reps, resting for 30 seconds between each set.
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When structuring your routine, it’s important to choose exercises that target all areas of your core and vary the intensity and duration of each exercise.
Aim to perform each exercise with proper form and technique rather than rushing through them. Gradually increase the number of sets and reps or the length of time for each exercise as you progress.