Forget crunches — Jennifer Aniston’s personal trainer swears by this Pilates exercise, and it torched my core

Forget conventional crunches — a Pilates exercise is reportedly the go-to for Jennifer Aniston's personal trainer, and it's proving to be a core-strengthening powerhouse. Dani Coleman, VP of training at Pvolve, endorses Pilates for its ability to build a resilient core, even for those with sciatica or lower back pain. Coleman frequently shares workouts on her Instagram, and a recent 10-minute core blast featured an elevated dead bug variation that left her feeling the burn.

Before attempting this exercise, beginners, pregnant or postpartum individuals, and those recovering from injuries should consult with a qualified professional. The elevated dead bug exercise, featured in Coleman's "mini-meltdown" workouts, requires only bodyweight and a Pilates ball. To perform the exercise correctly, lie on a mat with knees bent, feet flat, and the ball placed under your glutes.

Raise your legs into a tabletop position, engage your core, and extend your left arm and leg while placing your right hand on your bent right leg. Return to the starting position and repeat on the right side.

The exercise targets your deep core muscles, especially the transverse abdominis, often overlooked in conventional crunches. By balancing on the ball, you engage this crucial layer of abdominal muscles, acting as your body's natural corset. Additionally, the isometric squeeze on the non-working side of your body keeps your core working harder.

This exercise also improves coordination, particularly when using the traditional dead bug method, as it requires constant stabilization of your opposite arm and leg while remaining balanced on the ball.

While this exercise may not magically transform your abs like Aniston's, it's a quick and effective way to add a core blast to your routine.