Watch: You can do this core strength six-pack workout in just two minutes
Tone up your core strength with this two-minute pilates-inspired workout to see off the damage of sitting down
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If you're looking to get started on your fitness journey in 2021, you're most likely looking for workouts that can fit in and around your busy day. Lots of us don't have a whole lot of time to work out, especially when you factor work, household duties, childcare and some much-needed self-care into the mix.
Fortunately, we've got a core strength routine from expert Pilates and Barre Louisa Drake (opens in new tab), to help build up strength in your abdominals, spine, glutes and hips. This routine is especially beneficial for those who sit down all day, as your core and glutes don't get used while sat at your desk.
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Why do this workout?
Short, but sweet, long core workouts can be taxing if you're coming to fitness for the first time. This two-minute workout can be done at any time, and the brief nature of the workout allows you to build up your strength for longer sessions.
As mentioned above, your core and glutes don't get much activation when you sit down all day. Studies (opens in new tab) have shown sitting for prolonged periods can compromise metabolic health, even if you're a generally active person already.
The short nature of Loise Drake's workout means you could do it a couple of times during the day if you're working from home, helping to undo some of the damage of a sedentary lifestyle.
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Matt Evans is an experienced health and fitness journalist and is currently Fitness and Wellbeing Editor at TechRadar, covering all things exercise and nutrition on Fit&Well's tech-focused sister site. Matt originally discovered exercise through martial arts: he holds a black belt in Karate and remains a keen runner, gym-goer, and infrequent yogi. His top fitness tip? Stretch.
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