Standing Abs is a core workout with no floor time whatsoever - created in collaboration with NHS Choices for exactly the people traditional ab training leaves out. Knee-to-elbows, high knees, torso twists and side leg raises train the entire midsection from a standing position, no mat, no getting down, no getting back up.
The exercise selection covers every function your core actually performs upright. Knee-to-elbows produce flexion with rotation - the standing equivalent of a crunch, driven by the obliques. High knees turn the abs into stabilizers, holding your pelvis steady while your legs pump beneath it, and push your heart rate up in the process. Torso twists isolate rotation, and side leg raises train lateral hip and trunk strength - the system that keeps you level every time you stand on one leg, which is half of every step you take. This is core training in the positions life actually happens in.
Bring your knee up to meet your elbow rather than crunching your elbow down - the lift is where the abs work. Keep the high knees tall through the spine; slumping forward hands the work to your hip flexors alone. On torso twists, keep your hips facing forward so the rotation comes from your waist. Move with control on the side leg raises, no swinging.
Every rep here transfers directly to the way you move through the world. That is the whole point.
Make it Harder: Slow every rep down and add a pause at the top of each knee raise.
Make it Easier: Hold the back of a chair with one hand during the side leg raises.
