Tip The Simplest Hardest Exercise Search Skip to content Menu Menu follow us Store Articles Community Loyal-T Club Loyal-T Points Rewards Subscribe to Save Search Search The World s Trusted Source & Community for Elite Fitness Training Tip The Simplest Hardest Exercise Check out the core exercise that' ll improve every big lift by Dan North April 4, 2021April 11, 2021 Tags Training Most lifters don't do enough core work. Sure, when you squat, bench, or deadlift big numbers, you're basically training your core. But most people don't lift nearly enough weight to get much of an effect using only the big lifts as their core training. Even those who DO use a ton of weight will benefit from direct core training. Your core isn't just responsible for creating movement; it's designed to resist it. In the gym, your core is constantly fighting to keep your spine in a strong, stable position while your arms and legs are in motion. So, choose the most fitting training modalities and you'll notice the results right away. Here's the one you've got to try: The Offset Hold Simply hold an implement with uneven weight distribution to emphasize some of the key functions of your core: anti-lateral flexion and anti-rotation. How to do It 1 Load the barbell unevenly How much weight you use on each side is dependent on your training history and strength. The bigger the difference in weight distribution, the more challenging it is. General guidelines: 10-15 pounds on one side; no weight on the other 25 pounds on one side; 0-10 pounds on the other 45 pounds on one side; 15-25 pounds on the other 70 pounds on one side; 35-45 pounds on the other 2 Get under the barbell as if you were squatting it Set your feet. Take 1-2 steps back and have your feet roughly shoulder-width apart (pretty much your regular squat stance). 3 Take a big breath in and brace your core You need full-body tension for this. At no point during the lift should you be relaxed. You won't really have a choice because you'll feel it immediately as you un-rack the bar. Make sure you breathe and brace before un-racking! 4 Unrack and hold Stand in a straight, rigid position and hold it there. That's it. 5 Do 2-4 sets of 30-60 second holds per side Rest 60 seconds in between sets. Progressions and Modifications Offset Kettlebell Hold If you have shoulder issues or simply want to train your grip in addition to your core, use kettlebells instead of the barbell. Hold two kettlebells at different weights for 20-30 seconds each side. Offset Farmer s Carry Add some movement and treat this exercise as a farmer's carry by holding the barbell, two kettlebells, or a trap bar. If you have a turf strip, walk the full length and back before switching sides for 3-4 rounds. Related: The Best Core Exercise You're Not Doing Related: Real Core Training – Offset Loading Get The T Nation Newsletters Don' t Miss Out Expert Insights To Get Stronger, Gain Muscle Faster, And Take Your Lifting To The Next Level related posts Training Tip Choose Your Own Squat You have permission to do any type of squat that feels right to you, no matter what the squat Nazis say. Here's why. Squat, Tips, Training Chris Shugart May 30 Training Tip Medicine Ball Rotational Throw Drills Prime the central nervous system and hone your rotational power-skill. Exercise Coaching, Mobility, Tips Dr John Rusin September 6 Training The Painful Seven The 7 best hamstring exercises you can perform at a regular gym. Bodybuilding, Legs, Powerlifting & Strength, Training Christian Thibaudeau November 29 Training Tip How to Build Athletic Core Strength Fill in the strength gaps left by traditional core exercises with these two rotational moves. Abs, Tips, Training Nick Tumminello November 12