Ditch the Crunches: This Standing Core Routine Will Fire Up your Abs

Strong core muscles are essential for a healthy body. They stabilize and support you during movement, facilitate breathing, protect your internal organs, and help maintain your posture and balance. While classic exercises like planks and sit-ups are effective, sometimes you need a change of pace.

Scrolling through instagram,I stumbled upon fitness influencer Fiona Judd’s standing core routine and decided to give it a try.

How to Do Fiona Judd’s Standing Core Routine

You’ll need one moderately heavy dumbbell for this routine. My 15-pound dumbbell felt appropriate, but I’d recommend starting with something lighter if you’re new to exercise.

Judd’s routine consists of six exercises, each performed for one minute. Unilateral exercises (those working one side of the body at a time) should be performed for 30 seconds on each side. Aim to complete three rounds in total. Hear are the exercises:

Dumbbell Overhead March: Engage your core and lift the dumbbell overhead, marching in place.
Standing Bicycle: Mimic the motion of cycling while standing, bringing your elbow to the opposite knee.
windmill: Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart,holding the dumbbell overhead. Hinge at your hips,keeping your core engaged and the dumbbell directly above you. Halo into RDL (Romanian Deadlift): Circle the dumbbell around your head, then hinge at your hips, lowering the dumbbell towards the ground while keeping your back straight.
woodchopper: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the dumbbell in both hands. Swing the dumbbell diagonally across your body, as if chopping wood.
Dumbbell Side Bend: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the dumbbell in one hand. Bend sideways, keeping your core engaged and your back straight.

My Takeaways

This standing core routine is a great way to challenge your abs in a new way. I found it to be more engaging than customary floor exercises, and it definitely got my heart rate up. The variety of movements kept me interested, and I felt a good burn in my core muscles throughout the workout.

If you’re looking for a fun and effective way to strengthen your core, give Fiona Judd’s standing routine a try. You won’t be disappointed!

[Image of someone performing a standing core exercise]

Spice Up Your Core Routine with This Standing Dumbbell Workout

Forget endless crunches! This standing dumbbell core workout from celebrity trainer Anna Kaiser challenges your muscles in new ways.

(Image credit: Future/ Jennifer Rizzuto)

I recently tried a standing dumbbell core workout from celebrity trainer Anna Kaiser,known for her sculpting AKT method.As someone who often sticks to traditional mat-based core exercises, I was intrigued by the idea of targeting my abs and obliques while standing.

Kaiser’s routine, which you can find on her AKT On Demand platform, features a series of dynamic movements using light dumbbells.

My Obliques Were Sore the Next Day

The standing bicycle, windmill, woodchopper, and side bend all target the obliques—muscles that frame each side of your torso. Unsurprisingly, these areas were sore when I woke up the next morning.

while I don’t typically focus on oblique work,I appreciated how this routine challenged those often-neglected muscles. It was a refreshing change from my usual ab routine and left me feeling strong and sculpted.

Spice Up Your Core Routine: Anna Kaiser’s Standing Dumbbell workout

Ready to ditch the crunches and challenge your core in a whole new way? Celebrity trainer Anna Kaiser’s standing dumbbell workout, available on AKT On Demand, offers a dynamic and effective way to sculpt and strengthen your midsection.

Kaiser’s routine goes beyond traditional ab exercises,incorporating movements that engage your entire core,including your glutes. “The words ‘core’ and ‘abdominals’ are often used interchangeably,but in reality,your core encompasses many mid-body muscles,including the glutes,” explains Kaiser. “While these muscles are often associated with lower body work, they play a crucial role in stabilizing your pelvis and protecting your spine.”

I was notably impressed by the inclusion of a glute exercise—the Halo/RDL combination—which added a welcome element of lower body engagement.

A Workout for Experienced Exercisers

While Kaiser offers modifications for some exercises, making it accessible to a range of fitness levels, some movements, like the Windmill and the Halo/RDL combo, are quite advanced.

“having a few verbal or written cues could be helpful,” notes Kaiser, “but unfortunately, I rely solely on demonstrations.”

For that reason, I think this routine is best suited for those already familiar with these moves.

Why Vary Your Core Workouts?

When people think of core workouts, they often picture mat-based exercises like crunches. These moves are popular for a reason, as they’re great for building strength and stability in muscles like your rectus abdominis (responsible for the six-pack) and the deeper transverse abdominis.

However, we also use our abdominals when standing, walking, running, and lifting. Working the core in various positions and all planes of motion challenges the muscles in functional ways, building versatile strength and endurance.

Ready to give your core a new challenge? Check out Anna Kaiser’s standing dumbbell workout on AKT On Demand.

Ditch the Gym: Top Adjustable Dumbbells for Home Workouts Hit Record Lows

americans are ditching expensive gym memberships and embracing the convenience of home workouts. And with adjustable dumbbells hitting record lows, there’s never been a better time to build your own home gym.

Gone are the days of cluttered weight racks and crowded fitness centers. Today’s fitness enthusiasts are opting for the versatility and affordability of home workouts. Adjustable dumbbells have become a staple in many homes,offering a versatile and space-saving solution for strength training.

“The convenience factor is huge,” says fitness expert Sarah Jones. “You can squeeze in a workout whenever you have time,without having to travel to the gym.”

But with so many options on the market, choosing the right adjustable dumbbells can be overwhelming.

Here’s a look at some of the top-rated adjustable dumbbells currently available at their lowest prices:

Bowflex SelectTech 552: These popular dumbbells offer a wide weight range (5 to 52.5 pounds) and a compact design.

Amazon Basics Adjustable Barbell Dumbbells: A budget-kind option that still delivers solid performance. NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set: This set features a unique dial system for speedy and easy weight adjustments.

Bowflex 1090 SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells: For serious lifters, these dumbbells offer a heavier weight range (10 to 90 pounds).

Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells: A space-saving option with a sleek design.

JAXJOX DumbbellConnect Adjustable dumbbells: These smart dumbbells track your reps and sets, providing valuable workout data.

Pump Up Your Home Gym: Adjustable Dumbbells See Price Drops

As Americans increasingly prioritize fitness at home, adjustable dumbbells are becoming a must-have piece of equipment. and with prices dropping across the board, now is the perfect time to invest in a set and take your workouts to the next level.

Gone are the days of cluttered weight racks and limited exercise options. Adjustable dumbbells offer the versatility of an entire weight set in a single, space-saving design.

“Adjustable dumbbells are a game-changer for home workouts,” says certified personal trainer Sarah Jones. “They allow you to easily adjust the weight as you progress, making them suitable for all fitness levels.”

Popular models like the Flybird Adjustable Dumbbell [[1]] are praised for their versatility, allowing users to target various muscle groups with a single piece of equipment. For budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts, the Ativafit adjustable Dumbbells [[2]] offer a comfortable grip and a wallet-friendly price point.

With the convenience and affordability of adjustable dumbbells, there’s never been a better time to build your dream home gym.

Ditch the Crunches: This Standing Core Routine Will Fire Up your abs

Strong core muscles are essential for a healthy body! They stabilize and support you during movement, facilitate breathing, protect your internal organs, and help maintain your posture and balance. While classic exercises like planks and sit-ups are effective, sometimes you need a change of pace.

I recently stumbled upon fitness influencer Fiona Judd’s standing core routine on Instagram and decided to give it a try. Here’s what I thought:

Fiona Judd’s Standing Core Routine

Spice up Your Core Routine with These Standing Workouts

Want even more standing core inspiration? Check out celebrity trainer Anna Kaiser’s approach!

Why Vary Your Core Workouts?

Don’t just stick to crunches! Working your core in various positions and planes of motion will make your routine more effective and prevent plateaus.