Crunches are perhaps the most well-known core exercise, but arguably not always the most effective—they’re also not suitable for everyone, particularly beginners.

Rachel MacPherson, a personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, and certified pain-free performance specialist, says she doesn’t program crunches for people who are just starting out.

“Instead, I focus on exercises that teach the core to stabilize the spine, through resisting movement, because that’s how it works in real life when you walk, lift, push and carry things,” she explains. You may like

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