Getting to the floor for ab work can sometimes be the hardest part of the exercise, especially for those who have hip, knee or lower back issues. Working the core doesn't have to be a chore for those living with these ailments. You can get those abs in shape while standing up! Check out five awesome standing ab workouts:
1. Standing Bicycle
This exercise is the same as the bicycle crunch that is done while lying on the floor, except this version is standing. Place both hand behind the head with the fingers interlocked. With the feet close together, tilt the left heel and bring the left knee up to the right shoulder while pulling the abs in tight. Repeat for 20 reps and repeat on the other side.
2. Extended Toe Touch
This workout will be done in reps of 10 on each side of the body. Start by standing on your right leg with a slightly bent knee and the left leg extending low behind the hip. Raise the right arm into the air with the palm facing forward, extend the spine and lift the chest to bring the left leg forward as high as it can go. Reach for the toes with the right arm, and return to start.
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3. Leaning Lifting Crunch
Begin with your feet together and your knees slightly bent while your arms are extended overhead with your palms...
...pressed together. Next, lean slightly to the right to shift the weight of your body on the right leg and lift your left leg to meet your hands creating a side crunch. Repeat this for 20 reps on each side.
4. Rotating Deadlift
Place your hands behind your head and get into a split stance with your left foot forward and your knees slightly bent. Lean forward from the hip and engage your abs while keeping the spine naturally straight until chest is almost parallel to the floor. While maintaining a flat back, return the body to an upright position and rotate the torso to the left to look over your shoulder. Repeat this movement for 15 reps on the left and right side.
5. Stepping Chop
With your feet together, knees bent, hands collapsed and arms extended overhead, take a wide step out to the side with your left leg as arms chop down to the left. Do this movement in 20 reps for both the left and the right sides.
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