No equipment needed — these 5 exercises are key to helping you stay strong after 60, according to a pilates teacher

Building core strength does not require long workout sessions or countless sit-ups. This 10-minute standing abs workout was created by fitness trainer Kat Boley and targets your abs and obliques in an efficient way. You will need a light to medium dumbbell for this routine. Boley uses a 10-pound weight in her demonstration. An optional looped resistance band can add extra resistance to the exercises. If you do not have these items you can use household objects like a can of food instead. This workout is ideal for people who prefer standing exercises or anyone looking for a quick and effective core routine.

Workout Structure

The workout has three rounds with four exercises in each round. Do 10 to 12 repetitions of every exercise. Some exercises need to be done on both the left and right sides. If you keep moving at a consistent speed and don’t rest too much you can finish in less than 10 minutes. However you should take breaks whenever your body needs them. It helps to watch Kat Boley’s video beforehand so you know how to do each exercise correctly.

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Equipment Needed

• Light-medium dumbbell (optional, 10lb suggested)
• Extra-light looped resistance band (optional)
• Alternative household items (e.g., can of food) if no equipment

Core Exercises

1. Standing Crunch with Dumbbell and Band: Targets upper and lower abs while engaging obliques.
2. Standing Side Crunch with Dumbbell: Focuses on obliques and side core muscles.
3. Alternating Standing Toe-Taps: Activates lower abs and improves balance.
4. Side-to-Side Toe Taps with Band: Strengthens obliques and stabilizes core.

Benefits

This standing abs workout targets both upper and lower abs as well as obliques. It’s a low-impact alternative to floor exercises, reducing neck strain while building core strength. Consistency is key—aim to do this or similar workouts two to three times a week and progress to longer or more challenging sessions as your strength improves. For further progression, try a 20-minute standing core session.

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Workout Table