Hate crunches? Do this trainer's quick 10-minute standing abs workout instead

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Thanks to this trainer, you can train your core off the floor

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Classic ab exercises like sit-ups and crunches are effective for building a stronger core, but if you're bored of them or dislike like the strain floor exercises can put on your back, standing ab workouts might be more your style.

You don't have to search far to find this kind of training, but if you want to make sure the advice is coming from a reliable source, stick around. I spoke to Sarah DiGiovanni, a certified trainer from the ALO Wellness Club, about how to strengthen your core and build definition without getting on the floor.

Sarah DiGiovanni
Sarah DiGiovanni

Sarah DiGiovanni, a trainer at the ALO Wellness Club in New York, has more than seven years of experience blending functional strength training, boxing, and mat Pilates. She focuses on building strength, improving mobility, and enhancing overall performance, while keeping every session engaging and accessible for all fitness levels.

1. Standing marches

2. Standing woodchops

3. Standing twists

4. Standing cross body crunches

5. Standing halos

What are the benefits of this routine?

Standing ab workouts hit your core differently. Instead of lying or planking on the floor, you are upright, which means your abs are working nonstop to keep you balanced while your arms and legs move. Once you add dumbbells, the challenge doubles. Your core has to control the weight, stop it from pulling you off balance, and still drive the power you need to finish each rep.

DiGiovanni explained it best: “Core strength is one of the most important foundations for overall health and physical performance. A strong core supports proper posture and spinal alignment, which helps reduce strain on the body and minimizes the risk of injury.”

In short, a strong core is less about how ripped your abs look and more about moving through life with genuine strength and with greater ease.

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Jessica Downey
Jessica Downey
Senior Fitness Writer

Jessica has been a fitness writer at Tom’s Guide since 2023, bringing three years of experience writing about health, fitness, and the great outdoors. Her passion for exercise began during her childhood, where she spent weekends hiking and competing in local athletics club events. After earning a master’s degree in journalism from Cardiff University, Jessica found the perfect way to combine her love of storytelling and fitness into a career.

Jessica is passionate about testing fitness gear and tech, using her reviews to help readers make informed buying decisions. She ran her first marathon in April 2024, finishing it in 3 hours and 48 minutes. Through her training, she’s developed a deep understanding of what it takes to grow as a runner, from effective workouts and recovery techniques to selecting the right gear for every challenge.

When she’s not at her desk, Jessica enjoys spending time in the kitchen crafting new recipes, braving cold water swims and hiking.

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