Skip sit-ups and strengthen your core with this four-move standing abs workout instead

Woman exercising in gym, with her hands touching the back of her head and one knee raised across her body.

If you hate crunches with a passion, and the idea of doing sit-ups fills you with dread, then you’ll be pleased to know that you can train your abs on two feet.

The abdominal muscles wrap around your torso, supporting you when you stand, walk and twist or bend, so you can simply add resistance to these movements to increase strength in the area. Exercises like the woodchop and side bend mimic a twisting action most of us do every day, and practicing these movements with weights should make these regular movements easier, as well as supporting good balance and stability.