Staying Healthy

Do more for your core

A strong core is vital to staying active. Here are three exercises that can help keep it in shape.

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch

photo of a man doing a plank exercise and giving a thumbs-up with both hands

Practically every move you make originates from one area of your body: the core.

When you mention the core, most people think of the "six-pack" of abs, a muscle called the rectus abdominis. But the core is made up of abdominal, pelvic, and back muscles.

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About the Author

photo of Matthew Solan

Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch

Matthew Solan is the executive editor of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. He previously served as executive editor for UCLA Health’s Healthy Years and as a contributor to Duke Medicine’s Health News and Weill Cornell Medical College’s … See Full Bio
View all posts by Matthew Solan

About the Reviewer

photo of Howard E. LeWine, MD

Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing

Dr. Howard LeWine is a practicing internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Chief Medical Editor at Harvard Health Publishing, and editor in chief of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. See Full Bio
View all posts by Howard E. LeWine, MD

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No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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