Fromplanksto crunches to sit-ups, a lot of classicabs movestake place on the ground.

Take adeadlift, for example.

That means they can be a great starting point for folks easing into an exercise routine.

9 Standing Core Exercises That Will Fire Up Your Abs

Katie Thompson

So yes, a well-rounded exercise program will include both types of core moves.

But chances are you may be a bit more familiar with those mat options.

So if youre looking to know more about standing core exercises, well, stay right here.

Stand with your feet wider than hipwidth apart with both of your feet turned about 45 degrees to the left. Hold a…

We also rounded up nine awesome standing core exercises that you’re able to try at home.

Lets get to it!

How do standing exercises work your abs?

Stand with your feet hipwidth apart holding a dumbbell in your right hand with your arm at your side. Step forward about…

Both standing core exercises and on-the-mat core exercises work your core muscles.

But the difference ishowthey achieve core engagement.

With standing moves, a lot of the core engagement happens as a result of stability andbalance work.

Stand with your feet together holding a dumbbell in each hand in front of your legs. This is the starting position. …

More specifically, a lot of standing core moves are anti-movement exercises.

That means your core engages to resist movement as you perform the exercise.

APalloff pressis another anti-movement examplethis time, an anti-rotation exercise.

Stand with your feet about hipwidth apart. Hold a dumbbell in your right hand and rest it at shoulder height with elbow…

But standing core moves can also be more dynamic and actually involve rotation of the torso.

The woodchopper is one example of a rotational standing core move.

you might do both anti-movement exercises and dynamic rotational exercises on the matplanks andRussian twistswould be two respective examples.

Stand with feet wider than hipwidth apart core engaged arms at your sides.  Clasp hands together above your head and to…

That means theres typically less stability demanded in on-the-floor moves compared to those performed standing.

Who can benefit from standing abs exercises?

Then start with standingisometric movesessentially, exercises where you get into a position and hold, he advises.

Stand with your feet hipwidth apart and your core engaged hands raised by your ears palms facing forward elbows bent  or…

From there, it’s possible for you to gradually experiment with more movement while standing.

Talk with your physical therapist or doctor about which moves might be best for you.

How should you use standing core exercises?

Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulderwidth apart hands raised by your ears palms facing forward elbows bent….

Williams suggests doing standing core exercises two to three times a week.

Aim for three sets of eight to 15 reps of each exercise, he says.

This ensures your body is continually challenged.

Stand with your feet hipwidth apart and hands behind your head and elbows wide.  Lift your left knee toward your left…

Also important: Dont forget about on-the-mat exercises.

Like we mentioned, both standing core moves and grounded moves have a place in your exercise routine.

Williams recommends shooting for an even ratio between the two.

Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulderwidth apart hands raised by your ears palms facing forward elbows bent….

Standing Core Exercises

Ready to try standing core moves for yourself?

Here are nine awesome options to consider slotting into your workout routine.

Make it more of a challenge by taking your non-working hand off your thigh.

Add a knee-up to the end of each rep to make it more of a core challenge.

Single-Arm Shoulder Press

This move targets yourshouldersas well as your core, since its a single-sided movement.

Make it harder by holding a dumbbell.

Standing Cross Crunch

This move works your obliques, transverse abdominis, and rectus abdominis.

Alternating Standing Side Crunch

This move works your obliques.

You may want to avoid this move if you have back pain.

You may want to avoid this move if you have back pain.