Want a stronger core? Planks beat sit-ups

A strong core does far more than improve your shape - a fact that surprises many people. It underpins good posture, balance and stability, acting as the central link between your upper and lower body. Everyday actions like bending to tie a shoe, reaching a high shelf, or simply standing upright become easier and less tiring, and a sturdy core helps guard against falls and injuries as you get older.

Sit-ups were once the standard route to tighter abs and a trimmer waist. These days, planks - where you hold a fixed position - are considered the gold standard for core work, while classic sit-ups and crunches have fallen from favor.

Why choose planks over sit-ups?

One reason: sit-ups punish your back. They press your curved spine into the floor and rely heavily on the hip flexors, the muscles running from the thighs to the lumbar vertebrae of the lower back. Overly strong or tight hip flexors pull on the lower spine, which can produce lower back discomfort.

Planks also engage a better balance of muscles across the front, sides and back of the body, whereas sit-ups train only a handful.

Finally, daily life - bathing, getting out of bed, walking - along with sports and recreation, calls on your muscles to work as a team rather than in isolation. By recruiting muscles across the front, sides and back through dynamic patterns, plank work strengthens the whole set of core muscles you use every day, leaving you stronger and better balanced.

A few plank tips and techniques to get started:

Do form a straight line from head to heels.

Don't bend at your hips.

Don't let your belly drop toward the floor.

Whatever your age or fitness level, making core exercises like planks a priority is a smart investment in long-term health. A regular core routine improves posture, supports mobility, and lays the groundwork for a more active, independent life.