It can be easy to get stuck in a rut with core and abs workouts, doing endless crunches or planks and feeling like you’re not really getting anywhere.
This workout from Kat Boley kicks those boring notions out of the park, with dynamic moves that will challenge your core and train your body for everyday life.
As a bonus, it only takes 10 minutes and the only equipment you’ll need is a light dumbbell. Give it a go and see if you can keep up with Boley.
How to do the workout
Perform three sets of 12 repetitions, carefully following Boley’s form to make sure you’re targeting the right muscles.
Are there any benefits to standing ab workouts?
We spoke to NASM-qualified personal trainer Edward Panganiban, who gave us his opinion on standing ab workouts vs. ab workouts from the ground.
“Training the abs while standing engages more stabilizing muscles and encourages better posture than training abs on the ground,” he says.
“One of my favorite [standing abs] exercises that I like to do with my clients is the single-arm dumbbell or kettlebell farmer’s carry, which strengthens your core and improves posture while standing,” says Panganiban.
These exercises see you carry a heavy weight with one arm, which pulls you away from your center of gravity. Your core is then called on to keep you upright and erect.
“I do believe it’s important to incorporate both standing and ground-based exercises in order to improve overall core strength and stability,” adds Panganiban.
For more examples of floor-based core-strengthening exercises, read our guides on how to crunch and how to do a sit-up.
Edward Panganiban is an NASM-certified personal trainer, skilled in corrective exercise. He’s a recent graduate from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in kinesiology.
Need some more equipment for your home workout sessions? See our guide to the best yoga mats