CORE SUBJECT

It’s easy to just focus on a six-pack, but visible abs aren’t possible for everyone – and that’s OK. That said, there are plenty of other benefits to keeping your core muscles tight – they support the spine and keep your posture strong. Before you start, be warned: crunches and curls compress the spine and put stress on our lumbar discs. Plus they’re less effective than full-body movements that work your core as one unit. The best core exercises challenge your stability and use lots of rotation. Working your abdominals specifically requires slower, more controlled movements and lots of mind-muscle engagement.

Each week, aim for three full-body workouts, with one day focusing on your core. On that day, try this set (right), thinking less about reps and more about how your body feels. Work the whole posterior chain and core as one, with exercises including planks, mountain climbers and woodchops. Here’s how to ace them…