Planks are often a staple for building core strength, but as you grow older, static holds might exert unnecessary pressure on your shoulders, wrists, and lower back. Changes in flexibility and posture due to aging can also make these exercises less comfortable and less effective, notes Joe Ghafari, a certified personal trainer and nutritional educator at Eden. After the age of 50, core workouts tend to be more beneficial when they involve “dynamic” movements, where your abs need to stabilize during bodily movements. For this reason, Ghafari suggests four standing exercises that are more effective in flattening your stomach than planks.

“Standing exercises align the spine more naturally in an upright position, thereby reducing joint pressure and enhancing posture,” Ghafari explains. “They also simulate real-life movement patterns such as twisting, bending, and bracing, while boosting balance and coordination. These exercises train the core to stabilize against rotation and manage force while in motion, which is vital for preventing injuries.”

4 Standing Moves That Flatten Your Stomach Better Than Planks

Standing Knee-to-Elbow Cross Crunch

1. Start standing tall, hands behind your head.
2. Lift your knee as you twist your torso and bring your right elbow toward it.
3. Continue to alternate sides with control.
4. Complete 3 sets of 20 reps; 10 per side.

Standing Oblique Reaches with Knee Drive

1. Start standing tall.
2. Reach your left arm overhead.
3. Drive your right knee up toward your elbow.
4. Feel the stretch and contraction.
5. Perform 3 sets of 12 reps per side.

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Standing March With Arms

1. Stand tall, feet hip-width apart.
2. Lift your left knee up to hip height while reaching your right arm overhead.
3. Lower your foot and repeat with your right knee and left arm.
4. Maintain good posture throughout.
5. Perform 3 sets of 30 seconds.

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Standing Russian Twists

1. Stand tall, feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent.
2. Clasp your hands in front of your chest.
3. Rotate your torso to one side, twist back through the center, then go to the other side, keeping the movement smooth.
4. Perform 3 sets of 20 reps; 10 per side.

Looking for more easy ways to lose fat? Here’s How Long Your Walking Workout Should Be To Shrink Belly Fat.

Alexa Mellardo