Not everyone loves hitting the floor for crunches—and if you’ve got lower back issues, that kind of workout might not even be an option. The good news? You can still get a solid core workout while standing.
Here are five super simple standing ab exercises you can do at home. No fancy equipment needed—just your body and maybe something a little heavy.
1. Kettlebell (or Dumbbell) Twists
This one’s great for hitting your entire core.
How to do it:
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Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
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Hold a kettlebell or dumbbell in front of you with straight arms. No weight? Try a water jug or anything moderately heavy.
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Twist your torso to the right, then back to center. Repeat to the left. That’s one rep.
Reps: 3 sets of 8–10 twists per side.
2. Side Reaches
Simple, but surprisingly effective for your obliques.
How to do it:
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Stand tall with feet wide apart.
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Reach one arm up overhead and gently lean to the opposite side.
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Focus on feeling the stretch in your side.
Reps: 3 sets of 5–10 reps each way.
3. Marching Twists
This one works your abs and gets your heart rate up a bit.
How to do it:
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Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
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Lift your left knee up and twist your torso so your right elbow meets it.
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Repeat on the other side.
Reps: 3 sets of 6–8 reps per side.
4. Standing Side Crunches
Think of this like a floor crunch, but upright.
How to do it:
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Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
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Place your hands behind your head or lift one arm overhead.
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Crunch sideways, bringing your elbow down toward your same-side hip.
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Keep your lower body still—this is all about the waist.
Reps: 3 sets of 8 per side.
5. Crossover Toe Touches
A light stretch and a solid ab move.
How to do it:
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Stand with feet just wider than shoulder-width.
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Bend forward and bring your left hand down to touch your right foot.
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Come back up and repeat on the other side.
Reps: 3 sets of 8–10 reps per side.