Why core matters: Your core supports balance, posture, and everyday movements while reducing injury risk. It involves muscles in your abs, back, hips, and glutes. Best starter moves: Planks, bird dogs ...

You'll need better moves to build a functional core. Here’s how you can upgrade your workouts.

Core training has always been part of military PT and fitness testing. From crunches to sit-ups, flutter kicks, leg tucks and plank poses, the U.S. military uses many exercises to test core strength.

Your core is so much more than just abs—it’s the powerhouse that supports posture, balance, and everyday movement.