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If You Can Do These 5 Full-Body Workouts, Your Core Strength is Rock Solid

Transform your core into an unshakable foundation.
FACT CHECKED BY Alexa Mellardo

A strong core is more than simply having visible abs—it's the powerhouse of your entire body. Every movement you make, whether it's lifting, twisting, or even balancing, begins with your core. Without adequate core strength, your overall fitness can suffer, leaving you vulnerable to poor posture, back pain, and decreased performance.

The key to a rock-solid core isn't doing endless crunches. Instead, you need full-body workouts that engage multiple muscle groups while emphasizing stability and control. These advanced full-body workouts target your midsection dynamically, helping you build strength that translates to real-world movements.

If you're ready to level up your fitness, these five full-body workouts are the ultimate test. Each routine combines functional exercises designed to challenge your core while building power, endurance, and mobility. Complete these consistently, and you'll transform your core into an unshakable foundation.

The Workouts

Workout 1: Stability Power Play

This workout focuses on improving balance and control, forcing your core muscles to fire constantly. By incorporating planks, rows, and side planks with leg lifts, this routine stabilizes your midsection while also strengthening your shoulders, glutes, and obliques.

The Routine:

  • Plank to Shoulder Tap – 12-15 reps per side, 3 sets
  • Bird Dog Row – 10 reps per side, 3 sets
  • Side Plank with Leg Lift – 8-10 reps per side, 3 sets

1. Plank to Shoulder Tap

plank shoulder taps
Shutterstock
  1. Start in a high plank position with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your body in a straight line.
  2. Lift one hand to tap the opposite shoulder, keeping your hips stable.
  3. Alternate sides, ensuring your core stays engaged throughout.

2. Bird-Dog Row

  1. Get into a tabletop position with a dumbbell or kettlebell in one hand.
  2. Extend the opposite leg straight back.
  3. Row the dumbbell to your side while keeping your body balanced.
  4. Slowly lower the weight and repeat.

3. Side Plank with Leg Lift

side plank leg raise
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  1. Begin in a side plank position, supporting your body on one forearm.
  2. Raise the top leg slowly, keeping it straight.
  3. Lower it back down with control.
  4. Repeat on the other side.

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Workout 2: Dynamic Core Challenge

This routine pairs dynamic movements with static holds to engage the core from all angles. Mountain climbers build endurance, single-leg glute bridges fire up your posterior chain, and Russian twists hit your obliques hard. Now, let's get started!

The Routine:

  • Mountain Climbers – 20 reps per side, 3 sets
  • Single-Leg Glute Bridge – 12-15 reps per side, 3 sets
  • Russian Twists – 15 reps per side, 3 sets

1. Mountain Climbers

mountain climbers exercise
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  1. Start in a high plank position.
  2. Drive one knee toward your chest, then quickly switch legs.
  3. Keep your hips low and move your legs as fast as you can.

2. Single-Leg Glute Bridge

single-leg glute bridge hip extension
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  1. Lie on your back with one foot flat on the floor and the other leg extended.
  2. Push through your heel to lift your hips, squeezing your glutes at the top.
  3. Lower back down and repeat.

3. Russian Twists

kettlebell russian twist
Shutterstock
  1. Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet lifted off the ground.
  2. Lean back slightly.
  3. Hold a weight or your hands together and twist your torso from side to side.

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Workout 3: Explosive Core Strength

Designed to boost power and coordination, this workout uses explosive movements like burpees and controlled exercises like lunges with twists to challenge your core and entire body.

The Routine:

  • Burpees with Pushup – 12 reps, 3 sets
  • Lunge with Twist – 10 reps per side, 3 sets
  • Knee Tucks – 15 reps, 3 sets

1. Burpees with Pushup

illustration of burpees
Shutterstock
  1. Start standing.
  2. Drop into a squat and place your hands on the floor.
  3. Jump back into a plank.
  4. Perform a pushup.
  5. Jump your feet back in.
  6. Stand up explosively.

2. Lunge with Twist

lunge with twist
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  1. Step forward into a lunge position.
  2. Twist your torso toward your front leg, keeping your core engaged.
  3. Return to the starting position and switch sides.

3. Knee Tucks

  1. Sit on the floor with your hands behind you for support.
  2. Extend your legs out, then draw your knees toward your chest.

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Workout 4: Functional Core Burn

This workout emphasizes functional strength, integrating movements that mimic daily activities while keeping your core at the forefront. The plank-to-knee drive tests your stability, squat-to-press builds total-body strength, and flutter kicks engage your lower abs.

The Routine:

  • Plank to Knee Drive – 10 reps per side, 3 sets
  • Squat to Press – 12 reps, 3 sets
  • Flutter Kicks – 20 reps per side, 3 sets

1. Plank to Knee Drive

  1. Start in a high plank position with your wrists under your shoulders and your body in a straight line.
  2. Drive one knee toward your chest while maintaining a strong core.
  3. Return to the starting position and alternate sides.

2. Squat to Press

illustration of squat to press
Shutterstock
  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a weight or object at chest level.
  2. Lower into a squat, keeping your chest upright and your knees tracking over your toes.
  3. Push through your heels to return to standing while pressing the weight overhead.

3. Flutter Kicks

flutter kicks
Shutterstock
  1. Lie on your back with your hands under your hips for support.
  2. Lift your legs slightly off the ground and alternate small kicks, keeping your core tight.

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Workout 5: Stability and Endurance Builder

This workout combines stability with endurance to push your core strength and improve overall fitness. The bear crawl strengthens your shoulders and abs, the wall sit with overhead reach challenges stability, and the side leg lift hits your obliques.

The Routine:

  • Bear Crawl – 30 seconds, 3 sets
  • Wall Sit with Overhead Reach – Hold for 20-30 seconds, 3 sets
  • Side-Lying Leg Lifts – 15 reps per side, 3 sets

1. Bear Crawl

bear crawl illustration
Shutterstock
  1. Start on all fours with your knees hovering just above the ground.
  2. Crawl forward, moving the opposite arm and leg simultaneously, keeping your back flat and core engaged.

2. Wall Sit with Overhead Reach

  1. Stand with your back against a wall.
  2. Slide down into a squat position with your thighs parallel to the ground.
  3. Extend your arms overhead, keeping your shoulders pressed against the wall.

3. Side-Lying Leg Lifts

lateral leg raises
Shutterstock
  1. Lie on one side with your bottom arm extended for support.
  2. Lift your top leg as high as possible while keeping your core engaged.
  3. Lower the leg slowly and repeat on the other side. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 100 Unhealthiest Foods on the Planet.
Tyler Read, BSc, CPT
Tyler Read is a personal trainer and has been involved in health and fitness for the past 15 years. Read more about Tyler
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