11 Bodyweight Exercises That Strengthen Your Core Better Than Sit-Ups

Sit-ups are one of the most basic forms of core exercise. However, they're not the gold standard for safely and effectively strengthening your abdominal muscles. There are many other functional exercises that target and strengthen your full core.

This exercise is excellent for engaging the deep core muscles , according to Mallory Fox, DHSc, MS, NASM-CPT, CWC , a NASM master trainer and certified wellness coach. "It helps improve core stability and coordination by requiring you to maintain a neutral spine while moving your limbs. It's great for beginners and those looking to enhance their core control."

This move is a staple in gymnastics and is fantastic for building core strength and endurance , says Fox. "It targets the entire core, including the rectus abdominis and obliques, while also engaging the hip flexors. The key is to maintain a tight, hollow position without arching the lower back, which requires a good deal of core stability and control."

The farmer's carry is a functional exercise that is great for strengthening your core, according to Lauren Geisbert, DPT , a physical therapist at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics (CAO). "[This] is a movement where you add weight to one or both hands, like carrying in the groceries, and is best when done with the weight in one hand, requiring the obliques to work isometrically on the opposite side."

The plank is the foundation of core stability , according to Terry Tateossian , an ISSA-certified personal trainer and nutritionist, and the Founder of THOR: The House of Rose. "Planks hit everything—front, sides, and even your glutes and shoulders. Try plank variations such as shoulder taps and leg lifts to get more bang for your buck."