I need a good core workout

In the gym or at home, either way.  I have access to different machines and mats and bands.  I do yoga at least once, but most often twice, a week.  I run on the treadmill.  I try to do crunches on the bench whenever I am in the gym for running or yoga.  But crunches alone do not work all the muscles so I need something more all encompassing...  I'm willing to put in the work; I just don't exaclty know what "the work" is...

planks !

Are these planks like the ones we do in yoga?  I'll have to google them to see exactly what they are.  In yoga we have planks, but they are usually part of a flow.  Basically like push ups.

They look like a pushup position but yoe are on your forearms and toes and keep your back straight and just hold the position. Do them on both sides as well. This is also good for your low back as well.

 I got the book "Women's Home Workout Bible" by Brad Schoenfeld.  I do 10-12 reps and 3 sets each of:

1. Arnold Press, page 114
2. Squat page 152
3. Prone Reverse Fly, page 119
4. Leg Curl, page 93
5. Arm Curl, page 120
6. Seated Row, page 42
7. Pull Over, page 138
8. Incline Row, page 140
9. Reverse Hyperextension, page 65

Where it says to use a bench, I use a stability ball.

On alternate weeks, I do:

1. Upper Row, page 24
2. Upright Row, page 115
3. Lateral Raise, page 117
4. Incline Curl, page121
5. Happer Curl, page 125
6. Prone Lat Pull, page 41
7. Incline chest Press, page 141
8. Sumo Squat, page 154
9. Step-Up, page 159

Hope this helps.
Jan

My cat popped my stability ball in the middle of the night one night!  Scared the crap out of me!!!

I haven't heard of this book, but I'm checking to see if any libraries around here might have it.. Thanks!

I love P90X core synergistics and Ab Ripper X.  Also on P90X+ there is a different core workout that is great!

Nate is right--planks are great, as are most of the poses in yoga.

I am 100% certain that under my pizza dough exterior, I have a 6 pack!!

I've heard good things about the P90X prgram, but it scares me!  I'll look into it, I assume I can google it and come up with variations of the program without actually having to purchase it from the informercial?

I've noticed definite differences in the months I've been going to yoga.  Poses that were hard when I first started are easier now.  And I can do more of them before I get worn out!

You can buy it from Amazon or Beachbody.com.

I love the whole program.  It scared the crap out of me, but after a year, I can do the whole workouts and have increased my intensity.  The workouts are good to show you a beginner, regular and advanced version, and there are resistance band and free weight options.  I am in the best shape of my life.