Your Workout Routine Might Be Missing This Imperative Type of Exercise
Women's Health
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Your workout routine might be missing crucial exercises that enhance core strength, stability, and mobility—key elements often overlooked in traditional routines. The article highlights five essential exercises to elevate your fitness regimen: Farmer’s Carry, Halo, Slam Ball Russian Twist, Overhead Slam, and Half-Kneeling Woodchop. These movements target the core, shoulders, back, and arms, offering a dynamic approach to building strength and preparing for real-life activities like lifting or twisting.
The Farmer’s Carry focuses on grip strength and core stability, challenging you to resist bending while holding heavy weights. The Halo exercise enhances shoulder mobility and core engagement by moving a dumbbell around the head, adding an element of instability that forces your body to stabilize using its core muscles. The Slam Ball Russian Twist builds rotational power and core endurance, simulating everyday movements like lifting or twisting with added intensity.
The Overhead Slam combines explosive power and coordination, requiring stability as you lift and throw a ball overhead. Finally, the Half-Kneeling Woodchop improves flexibility and strength in the torso while targeting the obliques and shoulders through diagonal movements. These exercises not only enhance physical performance but also reduce injury risk by strengthening often-overlooked muscle groups.
Including these compound movements in your routine bridges the gap between gym workouts and real-world functionality, making you stronger and more resilient in daily activities. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or someone looking to improve overall health, integrating these exercises adds depth to your workout, ensuring well-rounded strength and stability.
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Originally published on Women's Health on 2/13/2026