4 Barre Moves For A Strong Core

I began teaching group exercise classes about 20 years ago. Today, I am the founder of barre3, which is based on classes that combine the disciplines of ballet barre work, Pilates, and yoga. This sequence includes four of my favorite core exercises because they're efficient, results-driven, and energizing. You can do all of these moves consecutively for a quick, targeted 8- to 10-minute core workout. If you're crunched for time, choose a couple of moves to light up your core, rev your metabolism, and refresh your energy!

Time/Reps: 2 minutes or 20-30 reps on each side

What It Works: Hamstrings, glutes, abs, and upper-body postural muscles

Time/Reps: 1-minute hold

What It Works: Abs, upper-body postural muscles, and lats

Roll down to your back, and place the band around the balls of the feet. Hold one end of the band in each hand by your shins. Extend legs toward the ceiling. Feet are hip-width apart. Hold here and let your hips be heavy. Pull your abs in and relax your shoulders. Keep your abs engaged and tug the band so that you feel your upper-body postural muscles light up (image 1).

Time/Reps: 30 reps/1 minute

What It Works: Waistline and abs

Place a core ball right below your shoulder blades and come down to the mat. Bend your knees and place your hands behind your head and hold. Your hips are heavily weighted into the mat, core engaged, collar bone is wide, and your head is heavy in your hands.

Time/Reps: 30 reps (15 each side)

What It Works: Abs and upper body

Sit tall on your mat as you place a core ball behind your lower back. Inhale to lift tall and exhale to take a slight scoop back into the ball. Hips are heavy into the mat, spine is long, core is firm, shoulders soft, knees bent (image on left).