One area of the body that is often overlooked when training is the core. It is crucial in nearly everything you do, from walking with good posture to better athletic performance.

Core training strengthens your hips, lower back and abs and will reduce injury and improve stability. For people who are sitting at a desk all day, it is important to train your core as this can reduce lower back pain.

Most movements start at the centre of the body and work outwards, meaning a strong core can help overall efficiency when going about your day-to-day tasks.

Here, we take a look at four simple exercises to help build a six pack.

FRONT PLANK

Lie flat on your stomach with your arms bent. Make sure your fingers are pointing forward and your legs are extended. Slowly lift your torso and legs off the floor. Hold for one minute.

SIDE PLANK

Lie on your side and raise your hips. Make sure your body is in a straight line. Hold the position for 60 seconds without letting your hips drop. Finish and repeat on the opposite side.

CRUNCHES

Lie flat on the floor. Bend your knees and put your hands behind your head. Lift your head towards your knees until you feel the burn across your stomach and repeat 20 times.

LEG RAISE

Lie flat on the floor. Slowly lift your legs up until you feel the burn. If you can bring your legs up to a 90 degree angle, then even better. Pause and lower the legs back down.

• Aim to do 3 sets of each exercise.