A trainer says this low-cost mobility tool can make your core workouts more effective—here's how

A woman performs a plank with a foam roller. She is in the classic plank position, with her toes on the floor, legs and torso straight, and her forearms resting on a foam roller. .

Your core muscles are responsible for a range of important functions, like protecting your internal organs and stabilizing your entire body, so keeping them conditioned is a must. There are plenty of equipment-free core strengthening exercises you can do, like planks and sit-ups, but using tools can make your workouts more effective.

One of my favorite pieces of equipment for targeting the core is a simple foam roller. These popular gym tools are normally used for self-myofascial release, where pressure is applied to tight muscles, but they can also add an element of instability to basic core exercises.