Which exercise is known to help strengthen the core?

The plank is widely recognized as an effective exercise for strengthening the core due to its focus on stability and isometric contraction of various muscles in the abdominal and lower back regions. When performing a plank, an individual maintains a position similar to a push-up, engaging the abdominal muscles, obliques, lower back, and even the shoulders and glutes. This engagement helps enhance overall core stability, which is crucial for improving posture, balance, and functional strength in various physical activities.

In contrast, the other exercises listed primarily target different muscle groups. Seated leg presses focus more on the lower body, notably the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, rather than emphasizing core strength. The bench press primarily targets the chest, triceps, and shoulders, with minimal engagement of the core compared to the plank. Similarly, while squats can involve core activation for stability, their primary focus is also on the muscles of the legs and glutes, making them less effective than the plank specifically for core strengthening.