5 Core Strengthening Exercises I Do

I have some issues with pain when I start walking after a layoff. My back hurts badly from weak core muscles. Here are 5 exercises I do to strengthen my core muscles prior to starting an exercise program:

1. Air Squats - Back in "the day", we called them deep-knee bends. But, I can change with the times and keep up with the lingo.
2. Walking Lunges - 20 steps, 10 for each leg, overstepping forward and bringing the back leg's knee to within an inch from the ground so the forward leg's quadricep is parallel to the ground.
3. Side Bends - Holding a dumbbell or weight in one hand, allow the weight to pull the upper torso to the side, then using the muscles in the torso to pull the body back to vertical.
4. Crunches - There's no substitute for good old ab crunches.
5. One-Leg Balance Reach - Place an object about knee height (use a chair, low table, traffic cone, etc) about 3 feet in front of you. Stand on one foot and reach down to pick up the object. Return to vertical, then reach down and replace the object. Repeat 5x for each leg.

Nothing here is particularly difficult, but they are all good for snapping those under-used core muscles back into shape so they can support your torse while you walk and alleviate the pressure on those lower back muscles.