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Core strength helps with everything you do including balance as well as injury prevention in everyday activities and during exercise. According to Greg McMillan, a running coach from Flagstaff, Arizona, who works with a slew of elite and recreational runners, “When your core is strong, everything else will follow. It’s the foundation for all of your movement, no matter what level of running you’re doing.”

From running to water skiing, your abs are important. Pro slalom water skier Brian Detrick says, “One of the biggest things I focus on is core strength, and core stability. People don’t realize how strenuous water skiing is on the body. One of the hardest parts is just getting up.” Even if you’re not a pro athlete, strong abdominal muscles will give you better posture and relieve back strain. Water exercises are a fun and effective way  to build your core, especially during the summer. These 10 water workouts will have you bikini-ready in no time.

1. Paddle boarding
This low impact, simple workout uses virtually all of your muscles. Balancing on the board while you kick builds your core muscles, the rest of the toning is bonus.

Read Related: Why Water Aerobics is the Best Sport