Core strength and posture

Build a stronger core and better posture with this simple, targeted workout. With exercises like the dead bug and bridge pose, this workout can help to improve balance, support everyday activities and build strength in the muscles that support your abdomen, back and pelvis.

This workout can be done in small spaces and at your own pace. Focus on slow, controlled movements, engage your core and choose a level that feels right for you.

Workout sequence

Intensity: Gentle
Recommended repetitions: 3 rounds

This workout can help you work towards meeting the Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, which recommend being physically active on most days and including muscle-strengthening activities on at least 2 days per week, and functional activities on at least 3 days per week.

Disclaimer: If you have been inactive for a while, have heart disease, or a close relative with heart disease or if you have other major health problems, or are pregnant, please check with your doctor before following these workouts.

1. Warm up (3 minutes)

Begin with these fluid movements to awaken your core and prepare your body.

Demonstration of the cat-cow yoga movement on hands and knees

Cat and cow stretch

Gently mobilises the spine with alternating arching and rounding. Inhale to arch your spine, exhale to round your spine. Aim for 5 breaths, moving and breathing slowly.

Demonstration of a shoulder push-up

Shoulder push-up

Activates muscles of the shoulders and arms and develops strength used in everyday movements like pushing.

2. Dead bugs

Recommended repetitions: 10-15 repetitions each side
Dead bugs
  1. Lie on back with arms extended upwards and knees bent at 90 degrees with feet in the air
  2. Drop your arm and leg on the opposite side and make sure your leg doesn’t touch the floor
  3. Bring them slowly back up to starting position and repeat with opposite side

3. Press and plank

Recommended repetitions: 10-15 each side
Demonstration of a press plank, moving from forearms to hands
  1. Start in a modified side ­plank, resting on your left side with knees bent and in line with your hips
  2. Place your left elbow on the floor directly underneath your shoulder and in line with your body, having your forearm extended out in front of you to stabilise
  3. Hold a filled water bottle in your right hand, right elbow bent and weight resting against your bicep
  4. Lift your hips so your body is straight from knees to shoulders, while also pressing the water bottle up to the ceiling
  5. Lower hips back down to ground. Repeat on the opposite side

4. Plank push-ups

Recommended repetitions: 10-15
  1. Start in a plank position with elbows and knees on the ground
  2. Place down one hand at a time to lift up into a push­-up position
  3. Keep back straight and core engaged
  4. Return one elbow at a time back down into the plank position
  5. Repeat, alternating arms

5. Supine bridge with leg extension

Recommended repetitions: 10-15
Demonstration of a supine bridge with leg extension
  1. Lie on back, knees bent and feet on floor, arms elevated above your head
  2. Lift hips up off the ground so that your knees, hips and shoulders are in a straight diagonal line
  3. Holding hips level, lift one foot off the ground 1-2 inches and slowly place down again and repeat with alternate leg
  4. Keep core muscles tight throughout the entire movement

6. Mountain climber twists

Recommended repetitions: 10-15
Demonstration of mountain climber twists in a plank position

1. Start on your hands and toes
2. Bending at the knee, bring your left knee forward directly under your chest while keeping your right leg straight
3. Quickly alternate legs while keeping your core muscles tight
4. Try to keep your body in a straight line without dipping in the low back. if this is too challenging, try doing the exercise on your knees

7. Contralateral limb raises

Recommended repetitions: 10-15
Demonstration of a contralateral limb raise on hands and knees
  1. Lie on your stomach with your arms outstretched and palms facing down towards the ground
  2. Slowly lift one arm a few inches off the floor, keeping it straight without rotating the shoulders
  3. Simultaneously lift the leg of the other side
  4. Hold the position, then lower the arm and leg back down. Remember to breathe.

Physical Activity

Simple workouts for everyone

A great way to fit more movement into your day! Try these free workouts at home or work to improve your balance, strength and energy.

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Low lunge to stretch tight hips

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Woman doing core strength exercises on an exercise mat in the backyard

Core strength and posture

This workout can help improve balance and build strength in the muscles that support your abdomen, back and pelvis.
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Woman performing mountain climbers on a workout mat in the backyard

No running cardio

Get the cardio benefits your heart needs, without the running.
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Quick lunch-break workout: couple doing lunges in lounge room

Quick lunch time workout

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Whole-body workout

This whole-body workout requires nothing but a mat and chair and will leave you feeling invigorated and energised!