The last part of your statement is extremely false. The compound lifts do not stimulate your core enough. Everyone has their own theories, but the reality is you need to treat each muscle group the same ( in respects to direct training). Your core and legs are the most valuable as all weight you hold runs through them.
Heres a list of some great core exercises (im sure others will add to the list):
- hanging leg raises
- resistance ball crunches (chest and head to the sky, work crunching both sides then down middle)
- ab wheel
- rockers (the ONLY full flexion exercise id consider doing. Google them).
- floor wipers (google them)
- oblique crunches (safe)
- incline bench cable situp (spine is straight)
- variations of planks
- dragon flags (extreme strength builder. These are very difficult. Only do these when your abs are pretty strong and stable).
- decline bench oblique crunches ( keep spine straight head and chest up)
- windshield wipers (like dragon flags, only when your core has become very powerful)
- woodchoppers (cables or kettlebell)
-gorilla swings (any variation, a great MMA style core builder)
I hope these help with results. Be patient. Focus heavily onform and remember to move at a CONTROLLED pace. The negatives should be slow and resistant. I guarantee you will notice changes. And any body, please feel free to add to that list.