Don’t let its name deceive you: The dead-bug exercise is actually a really stellar strength move—and one, we’re happy to inform you, that has nothing to do with, um, expired cockroaches or beetles.

In fact, consider it a “low-risk, high reward” movement for your entire core, Evan Williams, CSCS, founder of E2G Performance in Chicago, tells SELF. That’s because this beginner-friendly exercise brings a lower risk of injury than other abs staples (like sit-ups or crunches) and a host of bodywide benefits, including better posture, coordination, and, of course, core strength.

For everything to know about the dead-bug exercise—including which muscles it works and why it’s so damn effective—keep on reading. Want to give it a try yourself? We’ve got you covered there too, with a step-by-step guide on how to do it the right way (plus a more challenging dead-bug variation you may want to keep in your back pocket!).

Your core muscles are the main players here, including your transverse abdominis (deepest core muscles that wrap around your spine and sides), rectus abdominis (muscles that run vertically along the front of your abdomen), obliques (muscles on the sides of your stomach), and pelvic floor (the muscles at the base of the pelvis that support the organs in this area), Williams says. It also works your erector spinae and your hip flexors.