Many people turn to Pilates in search of a strong core, but a dumbbell core workout is an easy way to strengthen these muscles without pulses and holds.
Exercises like planks and sit-ups weighted with a pair of dumbbells might be considered the old-school way of strengthening your core these days, given the popularity of Pilates abs workouts in recent years, but they've been relied on for decades for good reason. "By adding a dumbbell to your core workout, you’re adding resistance to the exercises. This means your core muscles work harder (against the resistance) to perform the movement, resulting in a stronger core," says Emma Simarro, a certified personal trainer and women's strength specialist. "A stronger core means improved posture, balance, coordination and stability, all of which make everyday living and movement easier."
