Ab exercises are an integral part of every workout routine, but sometimes you may get tired of repeating the same exercises over and over. Why not switch it up and do standing ab exercises? In addition to building core strength, they’re a great way to improve balance and posture. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Standing Obliques
- Standing Crunches
- Reverse Chop
- Warrior Balance
In the rest of this article, we’ll explain exactly how to do each exercise so you can perform them safely and with maximum benefits. So, pull out a mat and let’s get started!
Standing Ab Mini Workout
Standing Obliques
Stand up straight with your feet shoulder width apart, elbows bent, and hands behind your head. Then, squeeze your abs, lift your right knee toward your waist, and at the same time, draw your left elbow toward your right knee. Turn your torso, creating a spiral with your spine. De-rotate and return to the starting position for one rep. Repeat 10 to 15 times, then switch sides.
Standing Crunches
Stand up straight with your feet shoulder width apart and hands behind your head. Bend your right knee and draw it toward your chest. At the same time, engage your abs and curl your torso forward, keeping length through your neck and spine. Return to the starting position, then repeat on the other side to complete one rep. Do 5 to 10 reps.
Reverse Chop
Start by standing tall, feet hip width apart and hands clasped together and held over your head. Turn your shoulders to the right, bend your knees into a squat, and swing your hands toward your right hip. Hold for one second, then move through the starting position to twist your torso to the left. This completes one rep. Repeat 10 to 15 times, then switch sides.
Warrior Balance
Begin in a standing position, feet planted shoulder width apart and elbows lightly bent at your sides. Now, bend your knees slightly, lift your right foot off the ground, and send it behind you. As you do so, squeeze your abs, tilt your upper body forward, and reach your hands in front of you. You’ll be in a position similar to yoga’s Standing Warrior pose.
Reach your hands and foot away from each other and hold for one second, then squeeze your abs and return to an upright position with your right knee bent and lifted toward your chest. This completes one rep. Do 5 to 15 reps, then switch sides.
You can add one or two of these exercises to your next ab workout, do the entire sequence as a mini workout, or use it as a warmup for a cardio session. We hope this article helped you find some new ways to challenge your strength and coordination!