Revolutionize Your Core Workout: 18 Effective Standing Exercises

Are you tired of the same old crunches and planks? Standing core exercises are a game-changer, targeting your entire core without requiring you to hit the floor. Your core muscles wrap around your body, from your six-pack abs to your obliques and spine-stabilizing muscles. By incorporating standing exercises into your routine, you’ll engage these muscles in a more functional and effective way.

The Best Standing Abs Exercises

• • Standing March with Twist: Slow, high knees with a twist, engaging your obliques and core.
  • Wide Second Side Crunch: A squat-based exercise that targets your obliques and glutes.
  • Standing Stabilization: Rotating your upper body while keeping your arms straight, engaging your core and shoulders.
  • Woodchop: A dynamic exercise that works your core, obliques, and legs.
  • Standing Side Bend with Dumbbells: A challenging exercise that targets your obliques and core.
  • Standing Side Bend with Dumbbells Overhead: A variation that adds an extra layer of difficulty.
  • Standing Side Crunch: A goalpost-position exercise that engages your core and obliques.
  • Standing Crossover Toe Touch: A dynamic exercise that targets your core, legs, and glutes.
  • Single-Leg Sprint: A plyometric exercise that engages your core, legs, and glutes.
  • Chair Pose with a Twist: A yoga-inspired exercise that targets your core, obliques, and legs.
  • Standing Twist: A rotational exercise that engages your core, obliques, and shoulders.
  • Overhead Circle: A dynamic exercise that targets your core, shoulders, and arms.
  • Standing Toe Touch: A simple yet effective exercise that engages your core and legs.
  • Resistance Band Woodchop: A variation of the woodchop exercise using a resistance band.
  • Resistance Band Pallof Press: A rotational exercise that targets your core, obliques, and shoulders.
  • : A suspension-based exercise that targets your core, obliques, and legs.

How to Build a Standing Ab Exercise Routine

• Add 2-3 standing ab exercises to your cardio or strength routine.
• Create a HIIT workout with circuits of 5-7 exercises.
• Create a Tabata workout of 4 exercises.
• Mix and match exercises to keep your workouts fresh and exciting.

Benefits of Standing Abs Exercises

• More variety in your workout routine
• Avoid lying on the floor, which can be beneficial for those with mobility issues or concerns about floor cleanliness
• Works different muscles, including the transverse plane, which is essential for running efficiency and shoulder strength
• Suitable for individuals with blood pressure concerns, circulatory issues, or mobility issues

Who Should Avoid Standing Ab Exercises?

Individuals with injuries that may be aggravated by standing ab exercises, such as low back, hip flexor, neck, or shoulder injuries.