Hundreds of sit-ups aren’t the key to building a strong and injury-resistant core. Yes, this abs exercise is great at strengthening just that — your abs — but in the abs vs core muscles debate, it’s more important to strengthen your core as a whole unit instead, rather than just focusing on your abdominals.
Enter one of my favorite core exercises to teach — the runner’s plank. It’s kind to your lower back, rather than the repeated up-and-down motion of sit-ups, and it works the whole body, including your arms, hips and legs. I would recommend one of the best yoga mats for joint health (a thicker, plusher feel), but otherwise, you don’t need any equipment.
