Standing exercises can be transformative in the quest to trim down belly fat. We’re highlighting five such exercises that are potentially more effective than running for those over 50. These exercises engage multiple muscle groups, intensifying calorie burn both during and after your workout.

“Standing exercises enhance core activation by involving a wider array of muscles for balance and stability,” explains Eric North, known as The Happiness Warrior. North, a wellness speaker and coach, is dedicated to redefining aging with strength and emotional vitality. “While traditional cardio like running primarily targets the lower body, standing workouts require the core to stabilize the body through dynamic movements such as twisting, bending, and lifting. This approach is more effective for building overall core strength and endurance compared to the linear motion of running.”

Some standing exercises that effectively target the lower abs and deep core muscles include wood choppers, standing knee-to-elbow crunches, and double-leg abdominal presses.

5 Standing Exercises That Melt Belly Pooch Faster Than Running After 50

“These exercises engage the deep transverse abdominis and lower rectus abdominis muscles by demanding stabilization, controlled rotation, and flexion, which also enhance balance and overall core stability,” North elaborates.

“These movements engage the deep transverse abdominis and lower rectus abdominis by requiring stabilization, controlled rotation, and flexion while also improving balance and overall core stability,” North explains.

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Woodchop

“The woodchop is a rotational exercise that targets the obliques and the deep transverse abdominis, as well as the rectus abdominis,” North tells us.

This rotational move requires you to stand tall, lift your arms to one side over your head (holding a weight or using just your bodyweight), and make a smooth chopping motion toward the opposite side of your body.

1. Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell or medicine ball above one shoulder.
2. Breathe in, chopping the weight diagonally toward your opposite foot and bending your knees.
3. Use control as you reverse the motion, sweeping the weight back up over your shoulder.
4. Repeat on the other side.

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Standing Knee-to-Elbow Crunch

“This exercise directly engages the lower abs and obliques through controlled motion,” North explains.

The standing knee-to-elbow crunch requires you to stand tall with your hands behind your head, then crunch your left knee toward your left elbow while bending at the torso.

1. Begin standing tall with your feet shoulder-width apart on the floor and your hands behind your head.
2. Lift your left knee as you twist your torso and bring your right elbow to meet it.
3. Lower.
4. Lift your right knee as you twist your torso and bring your left elbow toward it.
5. Continue to alternate sides with control.

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Double-Leg Abdominal Press

“This is an isometric exercise that builds strength through sustained tension and balance,” North tells us.

This move requires you to place one hand on the outside of each knee. Then, press your knees inward while pushing out with your hands to establish resistance.

“Create resistance by pushing knees away from your center while pushing  hands inward, and hold the contraction,” North instructs.

1. Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent.
2. Place one hand on the outside of each knee.
3. Push your knees in while pressing outward with your hands.
4. Brace your core.

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Standing Hip Abduction

“The standing hip abduction targets the deep core stabilizers, including the transverse abdominis, along with the glutes and hamstrings,” North explains.

You’ll begin by standing tall, holding onto support for balance. Then, lift one leg out to the side, activating your glutes and core as you do so before lowering.

1. Stand tall, holding onto a sturdy chair or wall for extra support, if necessary.
2. Keeping your leg straight, lift it out to the side, engaging your core and glutes.
3. Use control to lower back to the start position.
4. Repeat on the other side.

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Standing Knee Taps (High Knees)

“This move strengthens the lower abdominal muscles and hip flexors, which often tighten from prolonged sitting,” North points out. “It also significantly improves balance and coordination by requiring single-leg stability during the movement.”

1. Begin standing tall with your feet hip-distance apart and arms extended ahead of you.
2. Lift your right knee up to hip level.
3. At the same time, bring your left hand down to tap your lifted knee.
4. Return to the start position.
5. Then, lift your left knee up to hip height while bringing your right hand down to tap your knee.
6. Continue to alternate sides at a fast pace.