By , Suzee Skwiot
Published March 21, 2017
Your core plays a vital part in most moves you make. So give it some love with this 5-move workout that'll target your abs and back muscles.
More: The Dynamic Warmup You Should Do Before Every Workout
The twist: no crunches allowed. Grab your mat and get to work on these crunch-less steps:
Swiveling plank
How to do it: Start in half plank position. Keeping the core tight, and the abs engaged, drop the right hip to the ground. Now reverse the direction, pulling the hips up and over (following a crescent shape) to drop the hips to the left. Repeat.
More: 20 Plank Variations For a Stronger Core
Hollow body rock
How to do it: Start by lying supine on the ground, hands extended overhead, legs fully extended, and toes pointed. Draw the core in, allowing the low back to push into the ground. Keeping the arms and legs extended, pull them off the floor so your body resembles the bottom of a rocking chair. Start rocking back and forth without allowing the shape to break.
Side plank scissors
How to do it: Start in a left side plank: left forearm on the ground (elbow directly underneath the shoulder), left foot on the ground, right hand elevated and reaching for the sky. Lower the left hip all the way to the ground. Once hips touch the ground, immediately lift the hips back up while simultaneously raising the right leg. Slowly lower the left hip and right leg back down.
More: The 15-Minute Core Workout That'll Fire Up Your Abs
Twisters
How to do it: Start in boat pose position with the arms fully extended, parallel to the legs, palms together, feet off the ground (modification: heels stay on the floor). Keeping your right arm in place, twist the body and reach the left arm backwards, touching the ground behind you. Allow your gaze to follow the moving arm. Return to starting position. Repeat on the other side.
Up & overs
How to do it: Lie supine on the ground; hands underneath the butt (giving support to the low back), shoulders lifted slightly off the ground, neck long, with legs extended, 6 to 12 inches off the floor, and the low back pressed into the ground. Elevate the right foot so that it crosses up and over the left. Reverse directions. Repeat.
This article originally appeared on RodaleWellness.com.
https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/5-ab-toning-moves-that-arent-crunches