If your NYT crossword just threw this clue at you—“What planks, Russian twists and mountain climbers help to exercise”—you might be mentally jumping between a yoga mat, a CrossFit class, and a beach-body YouTube workout. But here’s the good news: all three moves are fitness staples for one key reason.
The Clue Breakdown
All three exercises might look a little different on the outside—some static, some high-energy—but what ties them together is what they work: your core.
Popular Misfires You Might Consider
- Abs – Close, but the clue asks for a broader term.
- Muscles – Technically true, but way too vague.
- Waist – Not quite the anatomical scope this clue is looking for.
They’re tempting but not accurate enough for the NYT’s crossword standards.
✅ Correct Answer: CORE
Yup, CORE is the perfect fit here. It’s the umbrella term that includes your rectus abdominis (six-pack), obliques, transverse abdominis, lower back, and even hip stabilizers. And guess what? Planks, Russian twists, and mountain climbers hit all of them like a multi-muscle symphony.
Why “CORE” Works
- Exact fit: It’s the common denominator across all three exercises.
- Four letters: NYT crossword gold standard.
- Clue phrasing: “Help to exercise” implies a body area, not a movement or equipment.
Quick Breakdown of Each Move
🧱 Plank
- Strengthens: Deep core stabilizers, shoulders, and back.
- Why it rocks: Builds endurance without movement. Great for posture.
🇷🇺 Russian Twist
- Strengthens: Obliques.
- Why it rocks: Perfect for side-to-side torso strength and sculpting.
🧗 Mountain Climber
- Strengthens: Abs, hip flexors, and cardiovascular endurance.
- Why it rocks: Doubles as a fat-burning cardio move with serious core activation.
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