While hitting the weights hard can be helpful, you'll want to get a handle on what your body is capable of, then improve it before you add iron pumping to

the mix. 

This video has a mix of beginner's level core exercises that will get you ready for the next level. Bodyweight exercises like the plank are great for building strength and

muscle endurance, both of which you will need when you move onto harder stuff involving the core. 

Once you have some basic core strength, you can move onto functional movements with weight. These will simulate the types of movements out in the real world that require

core strength and stability. Ever lifted a bag of potatoes? You better believe that required core strength. 

The heavier the weight, the more core strength you need to

lift it. If you want to be really functional, then you can stop by your local Costco for some bags of bulk salt and flower to lift. If you want to

be a little more down to earth with it, you can try this functional barbell workout. 

Once you've got some serious core strength built up, the natural thing to do is to start showing off. You can start doing certain exercises that will make you look

like you're defying gravity, just like the dude in the video above. 

You can slowly work your way up to this level by doing workouts that involve pull-up

bars. If you keep working at it, you'll eventually be able to do some crazy handstands or mimic a flag.