This standing abs workout is better than crunches because it “trains your core the way it’s meant to work”

If there’s one question I’m always asked by my personal training clients, it’s what are the best core exercises to build strength and stability. And while sit-ups might come to mind, I believe in training the core while standing because it forces the abs and the other midsection muscles to engage to keep you stable.

Certified fitness trainer Roxanne Russell agrees. “Standing abs exercises can be more functional than crunches because they mimic the way we actually move in everyday life, by using our core to stabilize us while we’re upright,” she tells Fit&Well.

“They can also be easier on the neck and lower back when than regular crunches, making them more accessible for a lot of people,” but that doesn’t mean Russell is against crunches. “Both types of ab work should be in your weekly or monthly program.”

To start adding standing abs exercises to your routine, get your hands on a kettlebell (or a dumbbell), make sure you know how to engage your core, then try Russell’s five favorite moves.

You can pick and choose which exercises to add to your workouts, or string them together into a dedicated core circuit. Try three rounds in total, aiming for 8-10 reps of each exercise with 10-15 seconds rest between moves, but make sure you adjust it to suit your ability.

Benefits of standing core exercises

“Our core’s main job is to keep us balanced and stable, especially when we’re moving our arms and legs,” says Russell.

“Standing core exercises use the muscles responsible for that stability. The deep core muscles like the transverse abdominis and obliques are engaged like they’re meant to work in our day-to-day lives.”

That makes standing core workouts brilliant for your balance, coordination and posture.

Russell also says that you can do these moves seated or kneeling, which is “a great option for beginners, those with mobility challenges, or anyone who wants to reduce the balance challenge. You will still engage your core effectively—I personally love the kneeling halo variation.”