A bent exercise bar, or EZ curl bar, is traditionally used for upper body exercises such as arm curls and arm extensions, but you can also use this bar to add variety to your core workout program. An EZ curl bar has ends that are wider than its center in order to support Olympic size weight plates. The bar is bent in the shape of a flattened "W," and weighs 25 pounds without additional weight added to it.
Torso Rotation
Your core can be strengthened through a torso rotation exercise that begins with your EZ curl bar standing on one end in a corner of a room. Place an Olympic weight on the raised end for added resistance. Begin the rotation by holding onto the top of the bar with both hands and shifting your weight onto your right leg. Perform the rotation by pressing the bar to the right with your left hand and pulling with your right. Return to center and then rotate to the left, completing both sides 10 to 12 times and for two or three sets.
Plank
Your EZ curl bar can be used as a base of support during a plank exercise to strengthen your core. Begin this exercise by placing the empty bar on the floor. For additional support, place a free weight on the floor and position the collar of the bar in the hole. Perform a plank by kneeling on the floor and placing your hands onto the bar a shoulder's distance apart and then straighten your legs, pressing your feet into the floor as you lower your body into a straight line. Hold this plank position for a count of 10 to 15.
Oblique Crunch
Your obliques are placed along the sides of your abdominal cavity. You can strengthen these with an EZ curl bar by lying on the floor with knees bent and with the bar resting on a diagonal from your right shoulder to your left hip and held in place by both hands. Perform the exercise by lifting your shoulder blades off the floor and aiming your right shoulder toward your left hip. The crunch is then released and repeated toward your right hip for 10 to 12 repetitions and two or three sets.
Reverse Crunch
Your lower abdominal area can also be strengthened through the use of an EZ curl bar. Begin the exercise by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet off the floor. Place the bar behind your knees and lower your feet toward your hips to hold it in place. Perform the movement by bringing your knees into your chest with or without hips off the floor and then lowering feet toward the floor for 10 to 12 repetitions and two or three sets.
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