What is the Number 1 Exercise to Strengthen the Core? There are hundreds of effective core-based exercises you can do to build that area. But in our opinion, the Plank is the most effective all-round core exercise.

There are 8 reasons why we love this exercise:

1. Improves your posture.
2. Increases your flexibility.
3. Activates all your muscle groups.
4. Easy to modify.
5. Muscle definition.
6. Strengthens your back.
7. Better balance, coordination, and movement.

That’s only 7 benefits.

The 8th deserves its own mention because it’s the main reason why this exercise is so highly rated.

8. The Plank will strengthen your core Safely.

Other effective core exercises can come with some potential risks and issues. The Plank, when taught properly is a safe alternative that doesn’t involve continuous flexion of the spine or result in back pain.

The basic Plank position targets your deeper core muscles including the transversus abdominis, which is the building block of a strong and stable core. Another benefit of this exercise is that there are many different variations, many ways to increase the intensity and target different areas of your core.

Finally, sometimes the simplest and most basic of movements result in the greatest gains to your strength and definition, and this is certainly the case with the Plank.