Core strengthening, or exercises that target the deep and superficial stomach and back muscles, is recommended for the majority of people with various forms of back pain. These “core” muscles help to support and stabilize the spine, thereby reducing the likelihood for pain and inflammation.

You can learn core strengthening exercises from a physical therapist or personal trainer. The advantage of working individually is that the exercises prescribed to you will likely be specific to your own anatomy. If you are looking for ways on your own to strengthen the core, or are bored with your current regimen, here are a few different ways to target the core muscles.

1. Get on the Ball: Exercise ball, that is. These balls are widely used in rehab centers and health clubs. They require you to use the core muscles while performing various trunk, back, leg, and arm exercises. If you don’t engage the correct muscles, you’ll know as you roll off the ball. (If you have issues with your balance, you would not want to try this type of core work unless under the supervision of a trained exercise or health care professional.)

2. Yoga for Abs: Many yoga classes incorporate some abdominal and back strengthening poses. This is also the title of a 15 minute video by Rodney Yee that offers a challenging sequence of abdominal and back strengthening exercises, along with some stretches and a relaxation period. Beware that if you have back pain, this video may be difficult and some exercises not appropriate. (For example, he does double leg lowering exercises which can be stressful to the back if you don’t have sufficient strength to execute it with correct form.)

3. Pilates: There are many Pilates videos on the market and most gyms also offer Pilates classes. Pilates offers various dynamic strengthening and stretching exercise for the spine, abdominals, and hips. Be sure to keep the abdominal muscles drawing in (when you look down at your belly, it should look flat and not be bulging out) as you perform the various exercises. This is a key component to performing Pilates techniques correctly.

4. Belly dance: This may or may not appeal to you. However, the belly dance class I take at my gym is an amazing core workout. It requires you to make very controlled, isolated movements of the pelvis, hips, and ribcage. You can feel muscles working that you never knew you had. There are belly dance videos available and some fitness stations on TV offer belly dance shows as well.

One of these may be a nice compliment to your existing exercise program, or it may allow you to learn different ways to activate your core.