Core

Plank

Body Part:

Core

Equipment:

Bodyweight

Primary Muscles:

Rectus Abdominis

Synergistic Muscles:

Deltoid Anterior + 5
Side Plank

Body Part:

Core

Equipment:

Bodyweight

Primary Muscles:

Obliques

Synergistic Muscles:

Not added yet
Ab Wheel

Body Part:

Core

Equipment:

Bodyweight

Primary Muscles:

Rectus Abdominis + 1

Synergistic Muscles:

Adductor Brevis + 8
Air Bike

Body Part:

Core

Equipment:

Bodyweight

Primary Muscles:

Obliques

Synergistic Muscles:

Gluteus Maximus + 2
Hanging Leg Raise

Body Part:

Core

Equipment:

Bodyweight

Primary Muscles:

Iliopsoas

Synergistic Muscles:

Adductor Brevis + 5
Crunch

Body Part:

Core

Equipment:

Bodyweight

Primary Muscles:

Rectus Abdominis

Synergistic Muscles:

Obliques
Cable Crunch

Body Part:

Core

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Rectus Abdominis

Synergistic Muscles:

Obliques
Russian Twist

Body Part:

Core

Equipment:

Bodyweight

Primary Muscles:

Obliques

Synergistic Muscles:

Iliopsoas
Ab Scissor

Body Part:

Core

Equipment:

Bodyweight

Primary Muscles:

Gluteus Medius + 1

Synergistic Muscles:

Adductor Brevis + 6
Lying Bicycle Crunch

Body Part:

Core

Equipment:

Bodyweight

Primary Muscles:

Gluteus Maximus + 2

Synergistic Muscles:

Quadriceps + 2
Sit-Up

Body Part:

Core

Equipment:

Bodyweight

Primary Muscles:

Rectus Abdominis

Synergistic Muscles:

Obliques
Lying Bent Leg Raise

Body Part:

Core

Equipment:

Bodyweight

Synergistic Muscles:

Not added yet
Machine Ab Crunch

Body Part:

Core

Equipment:

Machine

Primary Muscles:

Rectus Abdominis

Synergistic Muscles:

Obliques
Lying Leg Raise

Body Part:

Core

Equipment:

Bodyweight

Primary Muscles:

Rectus Abdominis

Synergistic Muscles:

Gluteus Maximus + 4
Lying Floor Leg Raise

Body Part:

Core

Equipment:

Bodyweight

Primary Muscles:

Iliopsoas + 1

Synergistic Muscles:

Adductor Brevis + 7
Leg Raise Alternating

Body Part:

Core

Equipment:

Bodyweight

Primary Muscles:

Iliopsoas + 1

Synergistic Muscles:

Quadriceps + 1
Russian Twist Plate

Body Part:

Core

Equipment:

Plate

Primary Muscles:

Obliques

Synergistic Muscles:

Illiopsoas

Body Part:

Core

Equipment:

Bodyweight

Primary Muscles:

Pectoralis Major Clavicular Head + 2

Synergistic Muscles:

Deltoid Anterior + 4

Published April 13, 2025 — Last updated April 18, 2025

A strong core is about more than just visible abs — it's the foundation for nearly every movement in your training. From stability to posture to power transfer, core training plays a central role in performance and injury prevention.

What Counts as a "Core" Exercise?

Core exercises go beyond crunches. In Volym, we include movements that target:

  • Rectus Abdominis: Your classic six-pack muscle.
  • Obliques: For rotation and lateral flexion.
  • Transverse Abdominis: Deep internal core — key for bracing and stability.
  • Spinal Stabilizers: Help you maintain posture and control during lifts.

A good core program balances movement and stability-based work.

Some of the most effective core exercises in Volym include:

  • Planks & Side Planks: Anti-extension and anti-lateral flexion strength.
  • Hanging Leg Raises: Lower abs and hip flexor control.
  • Cable Woodchoppers: Oblique rotation under load.
  • Deadbugs & Bird-Dogs: Core control and coordination.
  • Ab Rollouts & Hollow Holds: High-tension, deep core engagement.

💡 Pro tip: You don’t need hundreds of crunches. Focus on quality reps and resisting movement, not just creating it.

Equipment for Core Training

Core work can be done anywhere — with or without tools:

Try mixing in static holds, dynamic movements, and rotation-based work for a well-rounded approach.

Final Thoughts

Your core connects your upper and lower body. It protects your spine, powers your lifts, and improves athletic performance. Whether you're doing leg raises or Pallof presses, treat your core like any other muscle group: train it smart and with purpose.

Abs are cool. Stability is cooler.

Frequently Asked Questions

2–3 times per week is plenty. Include a mix of stability, rotation, and flexion movements.

It can! Strengthening the core (especially the deeper stabilizers) often improves posture and spinal support.

Core training helps, but visible abs come down to body fat levels — nutrition plays a big role.