Core exercises for balance and strength don’t have to include crunches! These 3 core exercises are creative and such fun to try! See for yourself.
When I’m in a fitness “Crunch,” I tend to get creative. Which means I’m pretty much always getting creative with my workouts (for myself and my classes). Let’s face it, not many of us have the time to spend hours at the gym or doing a billion crunches (can you tell I like that word?), and who wants to waste their time doing that if they are not effective and counter productive?
But you know what? ALL of us need a good strong core. It’s the foundation of our body and allows us to FUNCTION, MOVE, and PLAY without injury.
So let’s make today FIT TIP FRIDAY. Sound good?
Here are a few of my favorite crunch-less core exercises for balance and strength. You know I’m all about balance… in fitness and life.
Here goes!
First… UTILIZE that foam roller.
Did you know you can sit on the foam roller in boat pose? You can also perform V-Ups. It will challenge your balance and work on the strength. I like like to hold boat pose until I wobble over. I focus on improving my time from there. It’s not as easy as it looks ya’ll!
The second move I like to practice on the foam roller is an ab tuck. Yes, just like you would do a tuck or pike on the stability ball. This move feels quite similar, but since you are lower to the ground, it can be harder to tuck your knees in, which makes it KILLER. Just sayin..
Try 3 sets of 15. Advanced fitness participants can add in a push up. You’re crazy though if you do, because it’s tough!
USE A PLATE and PLANK WALK
Place a towel or a paper plate underneath a weight plate. Place your feet on top then drag the weight while you plank walk.
This one is truly a burner. Start off going a walking in plank for a few feet, rest, then repeat. Small steps from there because it will TAKE TIME to build the endurance. The plate I am dragging is a 25lb weight.
Here’a video demo to make things clear.
All these exercises can be implemented into your weekly strength routine. I would pick one and add it to the end of your workout. Then try a new one the following workout, make sense?
Now… hop to it!
What are your favorite core exercises for balance and strength?
Have you tried any of these moves?
Molly Rose
the foam roller is my FAVE! I actually did a post on unique ways to use that tool. Holding boat pose is actually my morning core move, and I’ve never tried it on the roller- must do this a.m.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
Er so I don’t actually own a foam roller although these moves look killer. I haven’t done anything for two weeks, and I’m definitely hungry for activity. Trying to get totally healthy first though.
LCCotter
hope you get to get out and play soon friend! xxoo
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes
The foam roller! Genius!! That weighted plank walk looks tough!! Great way to change it up!
Tara Newman
I love when you do videos! I always think about that quote – although she may be tiny, she be fierce. So strong friend.
Hilary
Love the idea of using a foam roller for knee tucks! Such a great idea! I can’t wait to try it out this week!
Natalie
The plate and the plank walk is fierce!! I will have to try that!
I love all of these new creative moves!!!
GiGi Eats
Da foam roller and I…… We ain’t friends.
Ah ha ha! I will kick it’s “ass”…?
Jody - Fit at 57
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Great moves!!!!!! I have done the first two – hard!!!!!
Lisa @ RunWiki
Love this! I’m going to try some of these right now- I’m in a strength rut because that’s all I can do right now!
Jolene
you are SO STRONG my friend. that plank/weight move looks so killer!!
Angela @ Happy fit mama
My physical therapist likes to torture me with the foam roller boat pose. She laughs at me while I’m doing it. And then I blame her for my injuries. 😉
Jess @hellotofit
Love these moves! I prefer any other core work over crunches!
Katie
I love the fit tips! I’m all about fast and furious in the gym (my house) these days. And I love using plates for ab exercises! I got the PiYo dvd set about amonth ago and 2 of the 30 min workouts use them (I just use cheapo paper plates from the store) and I am always SO SORE after I do those workouts. Sore in a good way, though! Of course.
LCCotter
I gotta try piYo! I heard great things!
Kim
These all look brutal but you can bet that I’m going to try them all – thanks!!!
LCCotter
I knew you’d love! xxoo
Shashi at RunninSrilankan
I love these moves – specially that walking plank with a plate! I do walking planks too – but my plate is of the paper variety 😉 I so gotta try your version of a plate next time!
Lately most of my core work has been planks – up down planks specifically – which help me squeeze in a good arm and core workout in one!
Hope you have a fabulous weekend! xx
LCCotter
those are tough! love them, and hate them. haha
She Rocks Fitness
Lately V-Ups are my favorite…I haven’t done them in a while and I have done them twice this week and WOW my core is on fire. 🙂 Have a great weekend friend and enjoy the weather! XOXO
LCCotter
yes, loved your video!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
I should try that foam roller thing and record it. It’ll be like a comedy show with my (lack of) coordination. LOL!
LCCotter
it’s kinda fun, but don’t flatten your butt. LOL!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
Not gonna lie — snowboarding will probably always and forever be my favourite core workout 😉 But I’m definitely curious about the boat post on the foam roller! Time to go whip mine out…
LCCotter
that’s major CORE for sure. and I’m horrible at it. teach me!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment
That last move looks like a tough one. Thanks, Lindsay!
LCCotter
WOOHOO! you’d love that one lauren!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Plank walk! I’m on it! Awesome!
LCCotter
Let me know how it goes!
Beth @ Running with the Sunrise
Love this! I’m seriously inspired to go do some ab work right now. Thanks for the great post, Lindsay! (And for giving me something great to add to my Pinterest boards, too. :))
LCCotter
woohoo! pin happy!
Jessica Joy @The Fit Switch
THANK YOU! I needed some new burners, and these FIT THE BILL. Lindsay, these are amazing. I love ab exercises that deliver a burn really quick, unlike crunches. Can’t wait to try them. My core is so sorely grateful. Haha
LCCotter
yes, you and me both! sore happy core. haha!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude
Love these core moves! I’m not a fan of crunches, which think is why I so love Pilates.
LCCotter
yes, pilates does wonders!
Annmarie Licatese
I never thought to use the foam roller like that- what a great idea!!! Love core moves that have nothing to do with crunches 🙂
livi @eat, pray, work it out
I love trying fun new moves! These look great!
Heather (Where's the Beach)
I never think to use my roller for abs, but I love doing the roll ins or pikes on a ball.
LCCotter
i don’t know how i thought of it, just tried it one day while rolling out my shins. LOL!
Dietitian Jess
Great way to change up ab exercise! I really want to try the boat pose on the foam roller- my balance is awful, should be interesting!!
LCCotter
do it! and report back! haha. please?
Ruthie@She'sWickedHealthy
Love these! I’ve been doing the plank walk but need to try those foam roller moves – yowzas! 🙂
LCCotter
keep me posted. I would love your thoughts on these Ruthie!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables
Love the idea of using the foam roller girl!!
Liz S.
Great moves! Favorite core move = Pilates teasers.
LCCotter
oh those are good liz!
Tina Muir
I am so glad you shared other exercises as it kinda annoys me how hooked up people get on planks and crunches! My strength coach has been having me do similar variations to the planks you used, and they make my entire trunk sore….like between my ribs! Weird feeling! You are one strong woman, and I love that!
LCCotter
ditto! but hey, whatever works for them, right? LOL!
SuzLyfe (@suzlyfe)
OMG that plate walk??????!!!!! WHO ARE YOU? I think I will start with gliders, thanks! You’re insane, but I love you.
LCCotter
you’re tougher than me, so you could so do it!
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine
That plate walk sounds really tough but what a great exercise! Thanks for sharing!
LCCotter
not gonna lie, it’s tough.. like OH I LOVE TO HATE this move, haha
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
Using the foam roller in boat pose is so cool!
CARLA
OH OH OH I DID THIS OVER THE WEEKEND
and also worked my core by LAUGHING AT MYSELF while I did it. :0)
Erin @ The Almond Eater
These are great! I tried balancing on my foam roller after you recommended it last time and HA…. so hard! Definitely makes ya work.
LCCotter
i know, it’s tricky but i kinda like the shake … haha.