Core Strength Workout – Build a Stronger Core With This Workout

If you’re looking for a good core strength workout then read this article now because I’m going to share with you the best exercises to include in your workouts to build the ultimate amount of core strength.

1. This “core workout” isn’t just a bunch of situps, crunches or anything like that. You’re going to be lifting heavy weights and doing a hard bodyweight exercise…
2. This is a simple variation of my infinitely variable DoubleYourGains’ 3-5 Strength Training Program. You simply use the base program and “add in” the last two exercises.
3. This workout will not only “carve out” your abs, but you’ll build real core strength, the kind when someone punches you in the stomach they pull their hand back and wince!

First, you’re going to stick to the basic DoubleYourGain’s 3-5 Program with a few changes:

Barbell Squats Or Deadlifts

Sticking to the schedule your workout must include either a Squat or a Deadlift. These heavy, compound exercises are going to teach your core to stabilize your body as you lift heavy weights.

Not only that, but they’re full body exercises that require you to work most of your body with each movement. If you’re really looking for a challenge you could slash the volume in half (instead of 3-5 sets of 3-5 of each exercise) on each exercise and do both in the same workout.

Then before your upper body pressing/pulling movement, you’ll do…

Overhead Squats

This is an exercise I’ll have to do a full “how to” article on. It’s somewhat complex, but here’s the basic idea:

• Get the bar above your head, arms locked out. Feed shoulder width apart…
• Keeping the bar overhead, you’ll squat down just like a barbell squat, but with the bar remaining overhead…
• Once you hit the bottom (below parallel or “ass to grass” — your choice) you just push through your heels and come back up…

You first need to start with an empty bar to “Get” the mechanics of this exercise. Then you can work up from there. Stick to the 3-5 rep/set range and work up to heavier weights.

Swiss Ball Planks

Like I said before, this is great for core muscle strength. You simply do a plank exercise where you support your body on just the tips of your toes and on your elbows and use your core strength to keep your body straight and rigid.

The instability of the swiss ball will keep your core working extra hard. This is an exercise that you will hold for time. Try to get 30 seconds to 1 minute. Do 1-3 sets.

If you can’t do a swiss ball plank for more than a couple seconds then you can do the same exercise without the ball, just put your elbows and toes on the floor and do it the same way.

So there you have it! Follow the DoubleYourGains’ 3-5 Program slightly variated and add in those last two moves for a great core strength workout!