The sanctified crunch-a tired old go-to for six-pack hopefuls that's about as exciting as watching paint dry. Yes, it might work that vertical slab of muscle along your front midsection, known to anatomy nerds as the rectus abdominis. But true core strength? That's not a one-muscle show.

Deep down underneath that showy six-pack muscle is an unsung hero ensemble, your deep core muscles. These are the true heavy lifters: providing stability, improving posture and supporting everyday movements. Ignore them and you're setting yourself up for a circus of muscle imbalances, poor posture, even back or neck strain-sounds fun, right?

Seriously though, let’s strike a blow against tired workout routines, embrace the absurdity and bring on some deep core exercises that actually change up the game. These unconventional exercises will shake up your workout with the kind of core strength that strikes a pose on Instagram while simultaneously giving your everyday strength and movement a noticeable power-up.

If you like your weightlifting sessions or those long bouts of standing to feel more 'Wolverine' and less 'wobbling pensioner', then a well-developed deep core is your answer.

Now let's be real. Crunches might make you feel the burn, but a burning sensation in your abs after a hundred crunches is about as effective for building core stability as trying to blow out an oil fire. That short-term burn doesn't translate into the long-haul power, balance and overall strength that your body needs.

Abstract and actualize the concept of stability-that's what your core is designed for. Its primary function is to crystallize your spine's resistance against movement, effectively ancillary force between your upper and lower body. And no, you won't get that from performing military-grade repetition of spine-crunching, neck-straining crunches.

Take a leap of faith and try these exercises for size. They are not only an exciting change but also focus on activating and improving your core’s posterior muscles, pelvic floor and diaphragm – the foundation of your core stability. Alongside them also look into activities that integrate with a proper breathing technique, a key component of core function and stability. Trust us, you’ll thank us after you experience the profound improvement.

Shift your priorities from the vanity of six-packs to the actual functional fitness that comes from core work done right.

Do more than just survive your workouts – kill it with that deep core strength.