A 5-Move Standing Abs Routine That You Can Take Whenever, Wherever, Courtesy of Katie Austin

An interesting and effective variation on the classic mat-focused core workouts.

Katie Austin.Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Whether your strength regimen includes ab work or not, you’re likely familiar with the classic moves (crunches, planks, etc.) that make up a simple ab-centered routine. And, if you do like incorporating core into your strength series, you may have found that these simple moves have gotten a little bit stale. We all need to update and spice up our go-to workouts from time to time.

In addition to making your exercise routine more interesting, changing it up can also prove more effective for building strength. So, in moments like that, we turn to our trusted fitness influencers for the latest exercises to incorporate into our movement.

Katie Austin’s most recent standing abs routine is just that—new material for our next workout. The following set, which can be completed anytime, anywhere (no mat or other equipment required), contains the following five moves, which she recommended performing for 30 seconds followed by 20 seconds of rest.

1. Cross crunches

Standing with legs hip-width apart and with your hands behind your head, lift one of your legs into tabletop and bring your opposite elbow to meet it. Return your foot to the floor and your arms to starting position. Repeat on the other side.

2. Narrow squat twists

With your feet together and your hands in prayer position, simultaneously squat and twist your upper body so that one of your elbows falls to the outside of your opposite knee. Stand and repeat on the other side.

3. Side pulls

Start in a low lunge position with your arms lifted to your chest and your hands facing the floor. As you stand and bring your back leg up to tabletop, twist your upper body so that your hands meet your raised leg. Return your leg to lunge position. Repeat on the same side for 30 seconds, then switch.

4. Frankensteins

Stand with legs hip-width apart and one arm extended overhead. Swing one leg up and extend it straight out in front of you, simultaneously bringing your opposite hand to meet your foot. Repeat on the other side.

5. Plié crunches

Standing in sumo squat position (with your feet pointed out toward the walls) and your hands behind your head, bring your elbow to meet your knee on the same side. Repeat on the other side.

Austin declared this “an amazing STANDING OBLIQUES WORKOUT that you can do anywhere, anytime.” She recommended repeating the set two or three times.

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