Boosting Your Core Strength with Basic Ab Exercises: 6 Routines for Newcomers to Take On
Standing ab workouts are a versatile and accessible exercise option that caters to a wide range of individuals, including seniors seeking balance, those with difficulty getting to the floor, and those seeking variety in their workout routine. Here's why standing ab workouts are an excellent choice for beginners:
Functional Strength and Movement
Unlike traditional ab exercises, standing ab workouts mimic real-life movements such as twisting, lifting, and reaching, which are essential for daily activities and athletic performance. These movements prepare beginners for functional fitness, enhancing their ability to move effectively in everyday life and during sports.
Improved Balance and Coordination
Standing exercises require balance and coordination, which can lead to better overall balance and posture. This aspect is particularly beneficial for beginners who need to improve their stability and core engagement.
Joint Friendly
Standing ab workouts are often more gentle on the neck and lower back compared to traditional exercises like crunches, where the spine is pressed into the floor. This makes them more accessible for beginners or those with neck or back sensitivities.
Core Activation
Standing exercises engage more core muscles simultaneously, including the rectus abdominis, obliques, and transverse abdominis, because they require balance and stability. This can lead to more effective core strengthening compared to traditional exercises that isolate specific muscles.
Versatility
Standing exercises can be modified with or without weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight, making them versatile for beginners who want to start at a comfortable level and gradually increase difficulty.
Comparison to Traditional Exercises
- Traditional exercises like crunches and sit-ups often focus on isolating specific muscles and may not engage the entire core as effectively as standing exercises.
- Hollow holds, another form of core exercise, target deep core muscles and improve posture and body control but are static and may not provide the same level of functional strength as standing exercises.
Recommended Workouts
- Kayleigh Cohen Strength's 10-minute standing abs workout is designed for beginners and challenges balance.
- The 5-minute Pilates standing ab workout by Move With Nicole is recommended for core strength.
- A 20-minute standing arms and abs workout with weights is available for a well-rounded workout.
- Caroline Girvan's 15-minute standing abs workout offers a lot of variety of moves.
- Heather Robertson's 10-minute standing abs workout is simple and perfect for beginners.
- A 12-minute weighted standing abs workout is offered, adding a level of challenge without being overly strenuous for beginners.
For a comfortable workout, the BAM crop top is recommended for its secretly supportive and comfortable design, while Lululemon Align shorts are suggested for working out during warmer weather, as they are available in different leg lengths. An Alo Yoga mat is suggested for standing ab workouts, especially for stretching or standing on during exercise.
Standing ab workouts improve functional fitness, training the core for real-life movements like lifting or reaching, enhancing longevity. They also improve balance and posture, helping to align the spine and enhance overall stability. With their numerous benefits, standing ab workouts are an excellent addition to any beginner's workout routine.
