ActiveWorkoutsThe ultimate standing ab workout with weights for a strong core and rippling six-packTop PT and trainer at Blok, Chloe Trigg, unpacks the top workout for toning up that midriffWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveWorkoutsThe ultimate standing ab workout with weights for a strong core and rippling six-packTop PT and trainer at Blok, Chloe Trigg, unpacks the top workout for toning up that midriffWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Top PT and trainer at Blok, Chloe Trigg, unpacks the top workout for toning up that midriff
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Most abs workouts are done on the back, but the problem there is that – if you’ve left working your core until the end of your gym sesh – laying on the floor can be a pretty dangerous thing. Will you ever get back up again? It’s all too easy to feel instantly relaxed once that butt hits the ground, so motivating yourself to work on your core requires some serious discipline.
With that, we’ve spoken to top UK PT and trainer atBlok,Chloe Trigg, who has given us a rundown of the best standing core exercises that you can perform with weights, including how many and for how long you should rest between.Dumbbellsat the ready…
How to do this standing abs workout with weights
According to Trigg, each of the following five exercises should be performed in 3-5 sets, each of which is made up of 10-12 reps per exercise (and per side if unilateral). You should also rest 30-60 seconds between the sets.
“Remember to keep reps controlled, engaging your core throughout each exercise,” she adds.
When it comes to the weight, you can use anything that’s heavy and easy to grip but dumbbells are preferred.Weight platescan also work, or even akettlebellif you have one to hand.
1. Standing rotation
What it does: This exercise targets not only the abs but the shoulders, back and oblique muscles.
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How to do it:
2. Standing side bend
What it does: This exercise strengthens the oblique muscles, the two abdominal muscles that provide trunk flexion and rotation. The external oblique is the thickest and runs from the lower ribs to the iliac crest and supports rotational movements. These work to minimise side-to-side rotations during exercises such as running.
How: to do it:
3. Standing single leg crunch
What it does:This exercise works the core as well as the glutes, shoulders, back and obliques. As it is performed, your core works to stabilise and balance itself while also contracting to pull your torso into a compression (crunch). At the same time, the shoulders and back work to control the weight as the glutes fire up to help keep you grounded.
How to do it:
4. Standing halo
How to do it:
5. Standing cross-body chop
How to do it:
This standing abs workout could be performed every day but for best results, take a rest day inbetween (3-4 days a week) and if integrated into a strength programme, it’s always best to work the core after your resistance training as it can fatigue you and eat into your lifting performance.
