FitFocus

Core Exercises

Strengthen your core with exercises that build real stability, not just aesthetics. This free core library trains both jobs the midline has to do: spinal flexion through cable, band, weighted, tuck, reverse, and machine crunches plus hanging knee raises, and anti-movement work through front and side planks, the Pallof press, side bends, and the kettlebell windmill. Every guide comes with an animated GIF demonstration and numbered form cues.

Benefits of Core Training

  • Train abs, obliques, and deep stabilizers for a resilient core
  • Anti-rotation and anti-extension work that directly transfers to heavy lifting
  • Hanging knee raises load the lower abs harder than any floor exercise
  • No-equipment and weighted options for home or gym

Barbell Press Sit-up is a core exercise targeting the abs....

Barbell Press Sit-up

Target: Abs

Dumbbell Side Bend is a core exercise targeting the abs....

Dumbbell Side Bend

Target: Abs

Sledge Hammer is a core exercise targeting the abs....

Sledge Hammer

Target: Abs

Band Standing Crunch is a core exercise targeting the abs....

Band Standing Crunch

Target: Abs

Cable Seated Crunch is a core exercise targeting the abs....

Cable Seated Crunch

Target: Abs

Cable Standing Lift is a core exercise targeting the abs....

Cable Standing Lift

Target: Abs

Bottoms-up

Beginner

Bottoms-up is a core exercise targeting the abs....

Bottoms-up

Target: Abs

Weighted Front Plank is a core exercise targeting the abs....

Weighted Front Plank

Target: Abs

Assisted Hanging Knee Raise is a core exercise targeting the abs....

Assisted Hanging Knee Raise

Target: Abs

Weighted Crunch

Intermediate

Weighted Crunch is a core exercise targeting the abs....

Weighted Crunch

Target: Abs

Tuck Crunch

Intermediate

Tuck Crunch is a core exercise targeting the abs....

Tuck Crunch

Target: Abs

Bodyweight Incline Side Plank is a core exercise targeting the abs....

Bodyweight Incline Side Plank

Target: Abs

Assisted Prone Rectus Femoris Stretch is a core exercise targeting the abs....

Assisted Prone Rectus Femoris Stretch

Target: Abs

Kettlebell Double Windmill is a core exercise targeting the abs....

Kettlebell Double Windmill

Target: Abs

Lever Seated Crunch is a core exercise targeting the abs....

Lever Seated Crunch

Target: Abs

Band Horizontal Pallof Press is a core exercise targeting the abs....

Band Horizontal Pallof Press

Target: Abs

Pelvic Tilt

Advanced

Pelvic Tilt is a core exercise targeting the abs....

Pelvic Tilt

Target: Abs

Reverse Crunch is a core exercise targeting the abs....

Reverse Crunch

Target: Abs

Assisted Hanging Knee Raise With Throw Down is a core exercise targeting the abs...

Assisted Hanging Knee Raise With Throw Down

Target: Abs

Full Maltese

Advanced

Full Maltese is a core exercise targeting the abs....

Full Maltese

Target: Abs

Plank

Beginner

An anti-extension hold that teaches the midline to resist the spine sagging, whi...

Plank

Target: Abs

Side Plank

Beginner

Loads the obliques and quadratus lumborum in the lateral plane that crunches and...

Side Plank

Target: Abs

Crunch

Beginner

Pure spinal flexion with the hip flexors kept out of it, which is what separates...

Crunch

Target: Abs

Sit-Up

Beginner

A full trunk flexion movement that brings the hip flexors in alongside the abs, ...

Sit-Up

Target: Abs

Hanging Leg Raise

Intermediate

Hanging from a bar loads the lower abs harder than any floor exercise, and adds ...

Hanging Leg Raise

Target: Abs

Cable Crunch

Beginner

The only common ab movement you can progressively overload with real weight, kne...

Cable Crunch

Target: Abs

A rotational movement for the obliques, best done slowly with the shoulders actu...

Russian Twist

Target: Abs

Ab Wheel Rollout

Intermediate

The hardest anti-extension movement most people will ever do, with the abs fight...

Ab Wheel Rollout

Target: Abs

Dead Bug

Beginner

Moves the limbs while the spine stays pinned to the floor, training the bracing ...

Dead Bug

Target: Abs

Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Lateral Throw Down is a core exercise that targets...

Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Lateral Throw Down

Target: Abs

Vertical Leg Raise (on Parallel Bars) is a core exercise that targets the abs, w...

Vertical Leg Raise (on Parallel Bars)

Target: Abs

Side-to-side Toe Touch (male) is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the ...

Side-to-side Toe Touch (male)

Target: Abs

Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Throw Down is a core exercise that targets the abs...

Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Throw Down

Target: Abs

Wind Sprints

Beginner

Wind Sprints is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the quadriceps, hamst...

Wind Sprints

Target: Abs

Cable Twist (up-down) is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques...

Cable Twist (up-down)

Target: Abs

Cable Kneeling Crunch is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques...

Cable Kneeling Crunch

Target: Abs

Cable Side Bend

Intermediate

Cable Side Bend is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques worki...

Cable Side Bend

Target: Abs

Roller Body Saw

Intermediate

Roller Body Saw is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the shoulders, tri...

Roller Body Saw

Target: Abs

Jackknife Sit-up is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors w...

Jackknife Sit-up

Target: Abs

Barbell Standing Ab Rollerout is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the ...

Barbell Standing Ab Rollerout

Target: Abs

Weighted Overhead Crunch (on Stability Ball) is a core exercise that targets the...

Weighted Overhead Crunch (on Stability Ball)

Target: Abs

Standing Wheel Rollerout is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the lower...

Standing Wheel Rollerout

Target: Abs

Band Bicycle Crunch is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexor...

Band Bicycle Crunch

Target: Abs

Potty Squat

Intermediate

Potty Squat is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the quadriceps, glutes...

Potty Squat

Target: Abs

Lying Elbow To Knee is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexor...

Lying Elbow To Knee

Target: Abs

Cable Reverse Crunch is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexo...

Cable Reverse Crunch

Target: Abs

Lean Planche

Advanced

Lean Planche is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the shoulders, chest,...

Lean Planche

Target: Abs

Kettlebell Windmill is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques, ...

Kettlebell Windmill

Target: Abs

Straddle Maltese is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the shoulders, ch...

Straddle Maltese

Target: Abs

Butt-ups

Intermediate

Butt-ups is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors, lower ba...

Butt-ups

Target: Abs

Full Planche

Advanced

Full Planche is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the shoulders, chest,...

Full Planche

Target: Abs

Cocoons

Beginner

Cocoons is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors, lower bac...

Cocoons

Target: Abs

Side Hip (on Parallel Bars) is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the ob...

Side Hip (on Parallel Bars)

Target: Abs

Alternate Heel Touchers is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliqu...

Alternate Heel Touchers

Target: Abs

Cable Tuck Reverse Crunch is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip ...

Cable Tuck Reverse Crunch

Target: Abs

Weighted Decline Sit-up is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip fl...

Weighted Decline Sit-up

Target: Abs

Flexion Leg Sit Up (bent Knee) is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the...

Flexion Leg Sit Up (bent Knee)

Target: Abs

Lever Seated Crunch V. 2 is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliq...

Lever Seated Crunch V. 2

Target: Abs

Twisted Leg Raise (female) is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obl...

Twisted Leg Raise (female)

Target: Abs

Weighted Seated Twist (on Stability Ball) is a core exercise that targets the ab...

Weighted Seated Twist (on Stability Ball)

Target: Abs

Flag

Intermediate

Flag is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques, shoulders worki...

Flag

Target: Abs

Barbell Rollerout From Bench is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the s...

Barbell Rollerout From Bench

Target: Abs

Crunch (hands Overhead) is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip fl...

Crunch (hands Overhead)

Target: Abs

Side Bridge V. 2

Intermediate

Side Bridge V. 2 is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques, glu...

Side Bridge V. 2

Target: Abs

Otis Up

Intermediate

Otis Up is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors, lower bac...

Otis Up

Target: Abs

Frog Planche

Advanced

Frog Planche is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the shoulders, chest,...

Frog Planche

Target: Abs

Suspended Reverse Crunch is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip f...

Suspended Reverse Crunch

Target: Abs

Inchworm

Intermediate

Inchworm is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the shoulders, hamstrings...

Inchworm

Target: Abs

Band V-up

Beginner

Band V-up is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors working ...

Band V-up

Target: Abs

Bridge - Mountain Climber (cross Body) is a core exercise that targets the abs, ...

Bridge - Mountain Climber (cross Body)

Target: Abs

Crunch (on Stability Ball) is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip...

Crunch (on Stability Ball)

Target: Abs

Band Alternating V-up is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flex...

Band Alternating V-up

Target: Abs

Sit-up With Arms On Chest is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip ...

Sit-up With Arms On Chest

Target: Abs

Lever Seated Leg Raise Crunch is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the ...

Lever Seated Leg Raise Crunch

Target: Abs

Prone Twist On Stability Ball is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the ...

Prone Twist On Stability Ball

Target: Abs

Air Bike

Beginner

Air Bike is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors working a...

Air Bike

Target: Abs

Band Standing Twisting Crunch is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the ...

Band Standing Twisting Crunch

Target: Abs

Sit-up V. 2

Beginner

Sit-up V. 2 is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors workin...

Sit-up V. 2

Target: Abs

Hip Raise (bent Knee) is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the glutes, ...

Hip Raise (bent Knee)

Target: Abs

Leg Pull In Flat Bench is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip fle...

Leg Pull In Flat Bench

Target: Abs

Cable Russian Twists (on Stability Ball) is a core exercise that targets the abs...

Cable Russian Twists (on Stability Ball)

Target: Abs

Hanging Oblique Knee Raise is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obl...

Hanging Oblique Knee Raise

Target: Abs

V-sit On Floor is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors wor...

V-sit On Floor

Target: Abs

Band Kneeling Twisting Crunch is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the ...

Band Kneeling Twisting Crunch

Target: Abs

Spine Twist

Advanced

Spine Twist is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques, lower ba...

Spine Twist

Target: Abs

L-sit On Floor is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors wor...

L-sit On Floor

Target: Abs

One Arm Slam (with Medicine Ball) is a core exercise that targets the abs, with ...

One Arm Slam (with Medicine Ball)

Target: Abs

Cable Standing Crunch is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques...

Cable Standing Crunch

Target: Abs

Hanging Straight Leg Raise is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip...

Hanging Straight Leg Raise

Target: Abs

Assisted Sit-up

Intermediate

Assisted Sit-up is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors wo...

Assisted Sit-up

Target: Abs

Crab Twist Toe Touch is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques,...

Crab Twist Toe Touch

Target: Abs

Knee Touch Crunch is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors ...

Knee Touch Crunch

Target: Abs

Cable Side Crunch

Intermediate

Cable Side Crunch is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques wor...

Cable Side Crunch

Target: Abs

Stability Ball Crunch (full Range Hands Behind Head) is a core exercise that tar...

Stability Ball Crunch (full Range Hands Behind Head)

Target: Abs

Band Jack Knife Sit-up is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip fle...

Band Jack Knife Sit-up

Target: Abs

Incline Twisting Sit-up is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliqu...

Incline Twisting Sit-up

Target: Abs

Kettlebell Bent Press is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the shoulder...

Kettlebell Bent Press

Target: Abs

Cable Seated Twist

Intermediate

Cable Seated Twist is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques wo...

Cable Seated Twist

Target: Abs

Front Plank With Twist is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the oblique...

Front Plank With Twist

Target: Abs

Crunch (on Stability Ball, Arms Straight) is a core exercise that targets the ab...

Crunch (on Stability Ball, Arms Straight)

Target: Abs

45° Side Bend is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques working...

45° Side Bend

Target: Abs

Cable Judo Flip is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques, shou...

Cable Judo Flip

Target: Abs

Smith Hip Raise

Intermediate

Smith Hip Raise is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the glutes, hamstr...

Smith Hip Raise

Target: Abs

Curl-up

Beginner

Curl-up is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors working as...

Curl-up

Target: Abs

Barbell Seated Twist is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques,...

Barbell Seated Twist

Target: Abs

Landmine 180

Intermediate

Landmine 180 is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques, quadric...

Landmine 180

Target: Abs

Pull-in (on Stability Ball) is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hi...

Pull-in (on Stability Ball)

Target: Abs

Suspended Abdominal Fallout is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the ob...

Suspended Abdominal Fallout

Target: Abs

Arm Slingers Hanging Bent Knee Legs is a core exercise that targets the abs, wit...

Arm Slingers Hanging Bent Knee Legs

Target: Abs

Band Vertical Pallof Press is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obl...

Band Vertical Pallof Press

Target: Abs

Weighted Russian Twist (legs Up) is a core exercise that targets the abs, with t...

Weighted Russian Twist (legs Up)

Target: Abs

Wheel Rollerout

Intermediate

Wheel Rollerout is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the lower back wor...

Wheel Rollerout

Target: Abs

Power Point Plank

Intermediate

Power Point Plank is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the shoulders, t...

Power Point Plank

Target: Abs

Lunge With Twist

Intermediate

Lunge With Twist is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the quadriceps, g...

Lunge With Twist

Target: Abs

Groin Crunch

Beginner

Groin Crunch is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors, inne...

Groin Crunch

Target: Abs

Seated Side Crunch (wall) is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obli...

Seated Side Crunch (wall)

Target: Abs

Prisoner Half Sit-up (male) is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hi...

Prisoner Half Sit-up (male)

Target: Abs

Roller Reverse Crunch is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flex...

Roller Reverse Crunch

Target: Abs

Spell Caster

Beginner

Spell Caster is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques, lower b...

Spell Caster

Target: Abs

Seated Leg Raise is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors w...

Seated Leg Raise

Target: Abs

Band Assisted Wheel Rollerout is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the ...

Band Assisted Wheel Rollerout

Target: Abs

Gorilla Chin

Intermediate

Gorilla Chin is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the forearms, biceps ...

Gorilla Chin

Target: Abs

Assisted Motion Russian Twist is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the ...

Assisted Motion Russian Twist

Target: Abs

Band Push Sit-up

Intermediate

Band Push Sit-up is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the shoulders, ch...

Band Push Sit-up

Target: Abs

Band Seated Twist

Intermediate

Band Seated Twist is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques wor...

Band Seated Twist

Target: Abs

Lying Leg-hip Raise is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexor...

Lying Leg-hip Raise

Target: Abs

Janda Sit-up

Beginner

Janda Sit-up is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors, lowe...

Janda Sit-up

Target: Abs

Crunch Floor

Beginner

Crunch Floor is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors worki...

Crunch Floor

Target: Abs

Decline Sit-up is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors, lo...

Decline Sit-up

Target: Abs

Front Lever

Advanced

Front Lever is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the lats, shoulders, f...

Front Lever

Target: Abs

Reverse Plank With Leg Lift is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the gl...

Reverse Plank With Leg Lift

Target: Abs

Posterior Step To Overhead Reach is a core exercise that targets the abs, with t...

Posterior Step To Overhead Reach

Target: Abs

Cable Twist

Advanced

Cable Twist is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques working a...

Cable Twist

Target: Abs

Band Lying Straight Leg Raise is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the ...

Band Lying Straight Leg Raise

Target: Abs

Weighted Side Bend (on Stability Ball) is a core exercise that targets the abs, ...

Weighted Side Bend (on Stability Ball)

Target: Abs

Barbell Rollerout

Intermediate

Barbell Rollerout is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the lower back w...

Barbell Rollerout

Target: Abs

Push-up To Side Plank is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the shoulder...

Push-up To Side Plank

Target: Abs

Weighted Hanging Leg-hip Raise is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the...

Weighted Hanging Leg-hip Raise

Target: Abs

Decline Crunch is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors wor...

Decline Crunch

Target: Abs

Oblique Crunches Floor is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the oblique...

Oblique Crunches Floor

Target: Abs

Barbell Side Bent V. 2 is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the oblique...

Barbell Side Bent V. 2

Target: Abs

Hanging Straight Leg Hip Raise is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the...

Hanging Straight Leg Hip Raise

Target: Abs

Lying Leg Raise Flat Bench is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip...

Lying Leg Raise Flat Bench

Target: Abs

Barbell Sitted Alternate Leg Raise is a core exercise that targets the abs, with...

Barbell Sitted Alternate Leg Raise

Target: Abs

Half Sit-up (male) is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors...

Half Sit-up (male)

Target: Abs

Hanging Leg Hip Raise is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flex...

Hanging Leg Hip Raise

Target: Abs

Shoulder Tap

Beginner

Shoulder Tap is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the shoulders, tricep...

Shoulder Tap

Target: Abs

Negative Crunch is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors wo...

Negative Crunch

Target: Abs

3/4 Sit-up

Beginner

3/4 Sit-up is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors, lower ...

3/4 Sit-up

Target: Abs

Flexion Leg Sit Up (straight Arm) is a core exercise that targets the abs, with ...

Flexion Leg Sit Up (straight Arm)

Target: Abs

Weighted Russian Twist is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the oblique...

Weighted Russian Twist

Target: Abs

Arm Slingers Hanging Straight Legs is a core exercise that targets the abs, with...

Arm Slingers Hanging Straight Legs

Target: Abs

Barbell Standing Twist is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the oblique...

Barbell Standing Twist

Target: Abs

Lever Kneeling Twist is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques,...

Lever Kneeling Twist

Target: Abs

Incline Leg Hip Raise (leg Straight) is a core exercise that targets the abs, wi...

Incline Leg Hip Raise (leg Straight)

Target: Abs

Captains Chair Straight Leg Raise is a core exercise that targets the abs, with ...

Captains Chair Straight Leg Raise

Target: Abs

Hanging Straight Twisting Leg Hip Raise is a core exercise that targets the abs,...

Hanging Straight Twisting Leg Hip Raise

Target: Abs

Lever Seated Crunch (chest Pad) is a core exercise that targets the abs, with th...

Lever Seated Crunch (chest Pad)

Target: Abs

Oblique Crunch V. 2 is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques w...

Oblique Crunch V. 2

Target: Abs

Frog Crunch

Beginner

Frog Crunch is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors workin...

Frog Crunch

Target: Abs

Barbell Sitted Alternate Leg Raise (female) is a core exercise that targets the ...

Barbell Sitted Alternate Leg Raise (female)

Target: Abs

Hanging Pike

Beginner

Hanging Pike is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors, shou...

Hanging Pike

Target: Abs

Elbow-to-knee is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques working...

Elbow-to-knee

Target: Abs

Weighted Russian Twist V. 2 is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the ob...

Weighted Russian Twist V. 2

Target: Abs

Twisted Leg Raise is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques, hi...

Twisted Leg Raise

Target: Abs

Cable Side Bend Crunch (bosu Ball) is a core exercise that targets the abs, with...

Cable Side Bend Crunch (bosu Ball)

Target: Abs

Cable Standing Crunch (with Rope Attachment) is a core exercise that targets the...

Cable Standing Crunch (with Rope Attachment)

Target: Abs

Kettlebell Advanced Windmill is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the o...

Kettlebell Advanced Windmill

Target: Abs

Quarter Sit-up is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the hip flexors wor...

Quarter Sit-up

Target: Abs

Inchworm V. 2 is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the shoulders, hamst...

Inchworm V. 2

Target: Abs

Kneeling Plank Tap Shoulder (male) is a core exercise that targets the abs, with...

Kneeling Plank Tap Shoulder (male)

Target: Abs

Straddle Planche is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the shoulders, tr...

Straddle Planche

Target: Abs

Kettlebell Figure 8 is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the shoulders,...

Kettlebell Figure 8

Target: Abs

Cross Body Crunch

Intermediate

Cross Body Crunch is a core exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques wor...

Cross Body Crunch

Target: Abs

Arms Overhead Full Sit-up (male) is a core exercise that targets the abs, with t...

Arms Overhead Full Sit-up (male)

Target: Abs

Core Exercises by Equipment

Train core with the equipment you actually have. Each list below is filtered to one tool, so you can build a session around a pair of dumbbells, a cable stack, a barbell, or nothing at all.

All Core Exercises (175)

Browse the complete list of free core exercises below. Each guide includes an animated GIF demonstration, step-by-step instructions, the target muscle, and the equipment you need — perfect for building your own core workout or adding moves to a custom AI workout plan.

Core Training FAQ

What is the difference between core and abs?

The abs (rectus abdominis) are just one part of the core. The core also includes the obliques, the deep transverse abdominis, the lower back muscles, and even the glutes and diaphragm. A strong core stabilizes the spine in every lift, not just in crunches.

Do ab exercises burn belly fat?

No — you cannot spot-reduce fat. Ab exercises build the muscle underneath, but visible abs come from lowering overall body fat through a calorie deficit. Train the core 2-4 times per week and manage nutrition; the two together reveal definition.

How often can I train my core?

The core recovers quickly, so 3-4 short sessions per week work well. Mix anti-extension work (planks, dead bugs), anti-rotation work (Pallof presses), and flexion work (crunches, hanging knee raises) instead of doing only crunches.

Are planks better than crunches?

They train different things: planks build isometric stability that transfers to squats, deadlifts, and posture, while crunches actively shorten the abs and build the six-pack muscle. The best core programs include both, plus rotation-resisting movements like the Pallof press.