There are many ways to develop core strength, and the good news for anyone who dislikes long workouts or traditional sit-ups is that you can shape stronger abs and obliques in just 10 minutes using this effective standing routine.
This standing abs workout was created by fitness trainer Kat Boley and features four targeted movements. She recommends using a light-to-medium dumbbell during the session—she demonstrates with a 10lb weight—along with an extra-light looped resistance band.
If you don’t have access to these tools, you can still complete the workout without them. However, adding resistance increases the challenge. For example, a can of food can be used as a dumbbell substitute if needed.
Why Resistance Bands Are Worth Using
Lightweight resistance bands are a useful addition to any core routine thanks to their portability and versatility. Picking up a looped band for this workout means you’ll likely find plenty of other uses for it in future training sessions.
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How the 10-Minute Standing Abs Workout Works
The workout consists of three rounds of four core-focused exercises. Aim to complete 10–12 repetitions per movement, performing reps on both sides when required.
By keeping a steady pace and minimizing rest between exercises, the full routine can easily be finished in under 10 minutes. That said, it’s important to rest longer if your body needs it.
Kat Boley demonstrates each exercise in her Instagram post, so it’s helpful to watch all the movements in advance to understand proper form before starting.
The Four Standing Core Exercises
- Standing crunch with dumbbell and band
- Standing side crunch with dumbbell
- Alternating standing toe taps
- Side-to-side toe taps with band
Why This Workout Is Effective
This routine is designed to engage the upper abs, lower abs, and obliques using just four movements. Completing all three rounds will leave you feeling the impact on your core strength.
While floor-based exercises like sit-ups are effective, they can place strain on the neck for some people. Standing abs workouts offer a joint-friendly alternative, especially for beginners or those returning to fitness.
Whether you’re training on the floor or standing, consistency is key. Aim to complete this workout or similar core sessions two to three times per week, then gradually move on to more challenging routines as your strength improves.
If you enjoy this approach and want a longer session, a 20-minute standing core workout is a great next step to build on this foundation.
