Classic ab exercises like sit-ups and crunches are effective for building a stronger core, but if you’re bored of them or dislike like the strain floor exercises can put on your back, standing ab workouts might be more your style.
You don’t have to search far to find this kind of training, but if you want to make sure the advice is coming from a reliable source, stick around. I spoke to Sarah DiGiovanni, a certified trainer from the ALO Wellness Club, about how to strengthen your core and build definition without getting on the floor.
She shared a simple five-move, all-standing circuit that only requires dumbbells. If you’re new to working with weights, aim for dumbbells between five and eight pounds for this routine. If you have experience training your core with weights, you could try anything 10 to 15 pounds. Just keep in mind that heavier is not always better if it means sacrificing form.
If you like having the option to move up and down in weight as you train, take a look at our guide to the best adjustable dumbbells.
1. Standing marches
2. Standing woodchops
3. Standing twists
4. Standing cross body crunches
5. Standing halos
What are the benefits of this routine?
Standing ab workouts hit your core differently. Instead of lying or planking on the floor, you are upright, which means your abs are working nonstop to keep you balanced while your arms and legs move. Once you add dumbbells, the challenge doubles. Your core has to control the weight, stop it from pulling you off balance, and still drive the power you need to finish each rep.
DiGiovanni explained it best: “Core strength is one of the most important foundations for overall health and physical performance. A strong core supports proper posture and spinal alignment, which helps reduce strain on the body and minimizes the risk of injury.”
In short, a strong core is less about how ripped your abs look and more about moving through life with genuine strength and with greater ease.
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