Myth: Sit-ups are the best way to get 6-pack abs.

Truth: As opposed to sit-ups, which target only your abdominal muscles, planks recruit several groups of muscles along your sides, front, and back. If you want a strong core — especially the kind that would give you 6-pack-like definition— you need to challenge all of these muscles.

"Sit-ups or crunches strengthen just a few muscle groups," write the authors of the Harvard Healthbeat newsletter. "Through dynamic patterns of movement, a good core workout helps strengthen the entire set of core muscles you use every day."

[Photo via Reshot]

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