Not everyone is comfortable with doing crunches and sit ups to get their abs into shape. Some people are not even interested in using gym equipment either. The interesting thing is that, you don’t have to do these things if you aren’t willing to, and it won’t necessarily hinder you from getting the sculpted abs that you desire.
You have probably given little or no thought to standing exercises for your abs; it will interest you to know that there are effective standing exercises that you can substitute for the everyday abs exercises that you are not okay with. Here are a few of them:
#1. Wide second side crunch
To do this, stand with your feet hip-width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand. Turn your toes outward and lower into a wide squat; do this with your glutes squeezed, knees bent, and hips kept in line with torso, without sticking your butt out. Now, lift your arms, such that your elbows are bent to 90 degrees, then engage your core while you bend to the right in an attempt to tap your elbow to thigh. Repeat for about 10 times on one side before switching to the next. Repeat all over, again and again.
#2. Reverse chop
To do this, you will have a medicine ball held with both hands at the chest level, keeping your feet hip-width apart. Lower the medicine ball to the outside of your right foot, so that your knees bend and your feet are pivoted. Once that is done, bring the ball across your torso and overhead to the other side; ensure your core is engaged while you do this. Repeat this for about 10 times on one side before switching to the next.
#3. Standing side crunch
Stand with your feet apart, and allow them to be a bit wider than the width between your hips. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, with your hands raised so that your elbows are kept at 90 degrees. Your core should be engaged while you bring your left elbow to your left thigh by bending forward at the waist and executing a side crunch. Now, keep your arms and shoulders intact till you are forced to use your obliques to return to the original position. Repeat for 60 seconds on both sides.
With consistency in performing these above named exercises, there will be noticeable changes. Get your sculpted abs already without having to bend to a crunch or sit up!
