Five moves that are better at building functional core strength at home than crunches

Woman performing the side plank exercise at home.

Because of Hollywood’s obsession with the six-pack, many people think crunches and sit-ups are the best way to train the muscles in your midsection.

And while those exercises are an excellent way to strengthen your rectus abdominis, the muscle that runs down the front of your torso, there are a number of other muscles that make up your core and that are essential for helping you move through life with confidence.