UNCOMMON CORE

A TRIM, TIGHT TORSO IS THE STUFF OF LEGENDS … GET READY TO BE LEGENDARY. THESE EIGHT UNORTHODOX EXERCISES ARE JUST THE THING TO REACTIVATE YOUR MIDSECTION AND SOLIDIFY YOUR SIX-PACK.

- CAREY ROSSI

IF YOU’VE BEEN FEEDING YOUR CORE nothing but plain old planks and common crunches, chances are you’re bored witless — and all progress in the ab department has come to a standstill. As with all body parts, variety is imperative when it comes to core training, whether it be with the programming or the exercises themselves. This article gives you both.

These eight exercises might tread a less-traveled path, but it still arrives at some real results. Add one or more of these moves to your regular core regimen, or try one of the four quickie workouts provided to make fast work of your waistline.

STANDING RESISTANCE BAND TWIST

Stand on one end of a resistance band with your feet wider than hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, core braced. Hold the far end of the band in your right hand and grasp the center of the band with your left hand about shoulder-width apart from your right. Extend your arms in front of you at shoulder height and actively pull the band apart as you twist your torso to the right as far as you can. Slowly return to the start. Complete all reps on one side, then switch.

Core Cues: To increase the tension, choke up on the band to make it shorter/more challenging. “You could also add [an element of] balance by lifting the heels off the floor,” Tracey Mallett says.

OBLIQUE CRUNCH AND TWIST