I’ve been doing Pilates for 15 years, and this simple core exercise humbles me every single time

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I’ve been practicing Pilates for 15 years: it’s gotten me to the start line of six (nearly seven) marathons and helped me rebuild my core following the birth of my son two years ago. But more importantly, it’s helped me stay injury-free for years, giving me the functional strength to carry my toddler on my hip and the endless bags that come with being a mom.One exercise that humbles me every single time is the dead bug. This simple-looking move is one of the best ways to train anti-extension core stability — in other words, you’re teaching your deep core to hold your spine and pelvis completely still as your arms and legs move.Unlike sit-ups and crunches, this move won’t put your spine under pressure, making it suitable for beginners. That said, if you’re pregnant, postpartum, or you’re currently recovering from an injury, it’s always best to seek personalized advice from a qualified professional.How to do a dead bug Let’s start with how to do a dead bug with perfect form. You won’t need any additional equipment for this move, but to add resistance once it feels easy, hold a set of light dumbbells. Here are the best adjustable dumbbells for working out at home.