Abdominal exercises are commonly done from a lying or hanging position. If you want to add some creativity into your workouts, there are a number of ab exercises you can do from a standing position. To perform these, you need some added resistance. This can be in the form of free weights or the sturdy, weighted balls known as medicine balls.
Diagonal Wood Chops
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a medicine ball in both hands above your left shoulder with your arms extended. In a fast motion, swing the ball across your body at a downward angle to your right. Once the ball is outside your right hip, raise it back up and repeat. After doing 15 to 20 repetitions, switch sides. When doing this, keep your lower body still.
Slams
Slams are explosive ab exercises that are done with a medicine ball. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the ball at arm's reach above your head. In a forceful motion, throw the ball straight into the ground in front of your body. Quickly pick it up after it bounces, raise it above your head again and do another slam. Continue for a set of 15 to 20 repetitions.
Side Bends
Side bends target your obliques, which are found on your sides. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell in your left hand. After placing your right hand on your hip or the side of your head, bend laterally to your left and lower the weight toward the ground. Steadily bend back to upright and repeat. Once you've done 15 to 20 repetitions, switch sides.
Cross Crunch
Cross crunches use your own body weight for resistance. Stand on your right foot with your right arm raised straight above you and your left leg out at an angle with your knee straight. Your left toes should lightly touch the floor. In a controlled motion, bring your right elbow and left knee toward each other; move them back to the starting point and repeat. After doing 15 to 20 repetitions, switch sides. You can increase the intensity of this exercise by wearing ankle weights and holding a light dumbbell in your working hand.
Russian Twists
Russian twists are done with a medicine ball or weight plate. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the ball or plate straight in front of your chest with your arms fully extended. In a controlled motion, rotate your upper body back and forth from your right to your left. Do 15 to 20 repetitions. When doing this, keep your back straight and lower body still.
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