Not everyone will admit it, but everyone wants flat abs. You’re lying if you say you don’t! But what’s even more difficult than admitting it, is achieving it.
I can’t count how many times I’ve seen women slaving away in the gym doing crunch after crunch. They look exhausted, and most of all, defeated. Because the reality is, the best flat stomach abs workout isn’t always happening on a mat. That’s right, you have so many other options when it comes to getting a rock hard core that doesn’t involve lying miserable on your back.
Benefits of A Standing Abs Workout
After just one session of standing abs, I bet you’ll be sore for days. That’s because you’ll be using muscles that you don’t routinely use during mat ab exercises. Plus, you can do standing ab exercises anywhere! I’ve definitely been to a few gyms where I felt like laying on the ground or sponge mats were a risk. Yuck! These five standing ab exercises will keep you shredded and away from the floor.
5 Steps For A Flatter Tummy
These five flat stomach abs workout exercises are great for all levels. Whether you’re just getting into a fitness routine for the first time, or need a fresh set of workouts to mix into your routine, these are the perfect addition.
Pro tip: I like to take Jump Start before my standing abs exercises to get me in the zone! It gives you energy, supports endurance, and just helps get you in a great mood. Throw on a fun playlist and you’ll be unstoppable!
1. Hip Hinge
Standing tall with your feet hip width apart, put your hands on your hips and engage your core. Keep your shoulders rolled down and back and hinge forward. Feel as though your hips are being pulled back and your head forward, and keep your core strong. You should make a 90 degree angle with your body at the extent of your hinge. Then stand back up. Repeat 10-15 times.
2. Standing Bicycles
This move may feel familiar. Start by standing tall with your feet hips width apart. Place your hands behind your head, with your elbows pointing to opposite directions. As you lift your right knee up to at or above 90 degrees, bring your left elbow across your body to try and meet your knee to elbow. Return to standing and repeat the other side. Do about 10-15 on each side.
3. Side Stretches
This move hits your obliques. Start standing tall, and send your arms up overhead. Relax your shoulders away from your ears. Start by stretching up, then over to one side. You want to stay tall in your upper body, so notice if you’re starting to droop over. Come back to center and bend to the other side. Repeat each side 15-20 times.
4. Hip Circles
This one is my favorite move! It’s so fun, and even more effective! Start standing tall with your feet hips width apart. Put your hands on your hips and engage your core as much as possible. Don’t forget to breathe! Start making medium-sized circles with your hips clockwise, then counterclockwise. Do 10-20 each direction. These will burn the next day!
5. Cross Toe Touches
For this move you need just slightly more space than the others. Step your feet out wide with your toes slightly facing outward. Point your arms up in opposite directions, as if you were trying to make a big ‘X’ with your body. Bring your right arm down and across to meet your left foot, then return to standing. Bring your left arm down and across to meet your right foot, then return to standing. Keep your core strong the whole time! Repeat this sequence 10-15 times.
Mentioned In This Post
Jump Start Pre-Workout
This pink lemonade pre-workout is formulated specifically for women to provide all the motivation, focus, and endurance needed to crush your exercise routine—without the crash!
