Slide show: Exercises to improve your core strength

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Double-leg abdominal press

When you're comfortable with the single-leg abdominal press, try the double-leg abdominal press:

• Lie on your back with your knees bent (A). Keep your back in a neutral position, not arched and not pressed into the floor. Avoid tilting your hips. Tighten your abdominal muscles.
• Raise your legs off the floor, one at a time, so that your knees and hips are bent at 90-degree angles. Rest your hands on top of your knees (B).
• Push your hands against your knees while using your abdominal muscles to pull your knees toward your hands. Keep your arms straight. Hold for three deep breaths.
• Return to the start position and repeat.

1. Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 12, 2011.
2. Krupa NL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 12, 2011.
3. Akuthota V, et al. Core stability exercise principles. Current Sports Medicine Reports. 2008;7:39.
4. Willardson JM. Core stability training: Applications to sports conditioning programs. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2007;21:979.