When it comes to building strength and stability in your core, sit-ups and crunches aren’t the best way to do so. While these exercises are great at targeting the outer “six-pack” muscles, they don’t work the deepest layers of your midsection, responsible for stabilizing your spine and supporting your pelvis.
Instead, I use this simple Pilates exercise to build deep core strength and work on my shoulder stability at the same time. As a reminder, I’ve been practicing Pilates for the past 15 years, so what works for me might not be right for you and your body. If you’re a complete beginner, you’re currently practicing with an injury, or you’re pregnant or postpartum, it’s always best to seek personalized advice from a qualified professional.