8 Core Workouts for Full-Body Fitness

Updated OnSeptember 9, 2013
Written by
Ted Spiker
Build Upper-Body Strength and Endurance

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Abs Matrix

Start by holding two five-pound dumbbells at your shoulders, balancing on your right leg with your left foot slightly off the ground. Perform all three steps, then switch legs and repeat.

1. Do a shoulder press with your right arm while you lean your body back slightly — press upward from slightly behind your head. Return to an upright position. Repeat with your left arm.

2. Do a shoulder press with your right arm while you lean your body back slightly. Push the weight up and out about 45 degrees to the side, and slightly behind your head. Return to an upright position and repeat the move with your left arm.

3. Lean back and press your right arm across your body to the left, just above your left shoulder. Return to upright. Lean back and press your left arm across your body to the right.

TWEAK IT
Use heavier dumbbells.
TORCH IT
Stand on the flat side of a BOSU Balance Trainer.

More: Hamstring Curls for an Amazing Booty

The Cheerleader

Get into a modified lunge with your right foot forward and your left knee on the ground and in line with your right foot. Hold two dumbbells at your shoulders. Press the right dumbbell above your head in a shoulder press while simultaneously dropping the left one sideways and down. Lift the left one up in a bicep curl as you lower the right one down to your shoulder. Raise the left upward in a shoulder press while dropping the right dumbbell sideways and down. Curl the right upward while lowering the left down to your shoulder. That's one rep. Do five reps, then switch legs.

TWEAK IT
Lift your back knee off the ground.
TORCH IT
Put your front foot on a BOSU Balance Trainer.

More: How to Tone Your Arms Like a Hollywood Celeb

Best Balance Tools

1. BOSU Balance Trainer
Half inflatable ball, half hard surface. Each end provides varying degrees of instability.

2. Foam Roller
Cut it lengthwise and use it flat side up as a narrow, wobbly platform.

3. Medicine Ball
Available in a variety of weights. Provides resistance, forcing your core to work harder.

4. Stability Ball
Large inflatable ball that you can sit on, lean on, and use as a substitute for a bench.

5. Your Leg
Performing exercises on one leg forces your core to keep your body stable.   

More: Leg Workout: 6 Moves to Lean Legs

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