Building core strength doesn’t have to involve long sessions or traditional sit-ups. This 10-minute standing abs workout, designed by fitness trainer Kat Boley, targets your upper and lower abs as well as obliques. Using a light-medium dumbbell (Boley uses a 10lb weight) and an extra-light looped resistance band will increase the challenge, though the exercises can be done without equipment as well.

Equipment and Preparation
For best results use a dumbbell & a resistance band. If you don’t have these items you can use household alternatives like a can of food instead of the dumbbell. This workout has three rounds with four exercises in each round. Try to do 10-12 repetitions for each exercise. Keep moving at a steady pace and take minimal rest between exercises. This approach will help you finish the workout in under 10 minutes.
Standing Core Exercises
# Core Strengthening Session
This workout includes four exercises that target your abdominal muscles while keeping your neck & back safe from unnecessary stress. The movements focus on building a stronger midsection and creating better muscle definition. Each exercise has been selected to work your core effectively without causing discomfort in sensitive areas like your neck & spine. You can perform these exercises as part of your regular fitness routine. They require minimal equipment and can be done at home or in the gym. The key is maintaining proper form throughout each movement to maximize results & prevent injury. These four exercises work together to engage different parts of your core. Some target the upper abdominals while others focus on the lower abs & obliques. By combining them in one session you get a complete core workout that addresses all the major muscle groups in your midsection. Remember to breathe steadily during each exercise & move with control rather than speed. Quality of movement matters more than quantity when it comes to core training. Start with a manageable number of repetitions and gradually increase as you build strength.
- Standing crunch with dumbbell and band
- Standing side crunch with dumbbell
- Alternating standing toe-taps
- Side-to-side toe taps with band
Tips for Success
# Standing Abs Workout Guide
The most important thing is to stay consistent with your training. You should do this workout two or three times each week. As you get stronger you can move on to harder exercises that will challenge your core even more. Standing abs workouts work well for people who are just starting out. They are also good for anyone who wants to avoid doing exercises on the floor. These workouts let you build core strength while staying on your feet the whole time. When you first begin you might find the exercises easy. This is normal and expected. The goal is to master the basic movements before you try anything more difficult. Pay attention to your form and make sure you are doing each exercise correctly. After a few weeks you will notice that your core feels stronger. Your balance will improve and the exercises will feel more natural. This is the right time to think about adding more repetitions or trying variations that require more effort. Standing exercises have several benefits compared to traditional floor workouts. They engage your stabilizer muscles more because you need to maintain your balance. They also feel more functional since most daily activities happen while standing. You can do these workouts almost anywhere. You don’t need a mat or much space. This makes them practical for people with busy schedules who want to exercise at home or even at the office during breaks. Remember that building core strength takes time. You won’t see dramatic changes overnight. But if you stick with the routine & perform the exercises regularly you will definitely notice improvements in your strength and stability.
Progression
You can move on to longer standing workouts once you feel ready after this 10-minute session. Try a 20-minute core routine that will help you build stronger abs and obliques.
