Whether you’re training for your first 5K or just want to move around in the world a little easier, strong abdominals are a must. As the literal “core” of our bodies, the abs are responsible for everything from stabilizing your body to flexing and extending your spine, to keeping your vital organs protected and in place.
Rolling out your mat for a few rounds of sit-ups, crunches, and planks will definitely work your abs at first (and will always be a great warm-up, no matter your fitness level). Once those muscles start getting more conditioned though, you’ll need to look for ways to make your core routine more challenging.
