Are you aware that standing exercises can be extremely effective for slimming down your midsection? These exercises engage various muscle groups simultaneously, leading to both increased calorie burn and enhanced functional strength. If your goal is to tighten and tone your waistline, you’re definitely in the right spot. We spoke with a fitness expert who highlights the top four standing exercises that eliminate belly fat more effectively than crunches, especially after age 45. No need for floor routines!

“Standing exercises frequently activate numerous muscle groups, notably the core, hips, and legs, resulting in more energy being used. They also enhance balance and coordination, which contributes to better movement habits and long-term fitness,” explains Chris Pruitt, CPT, CEO of WorkoutHealthy.com.

Standing exercises have a significant advantage over crunches since crunches are not highly effective at burning calories. They largely serve to strengthen the rectus abdominis. To reduce belly fat, achieving a caloric deficit is essential, rather than merely focusing on a single area of the body.

Below, Chris shares the best standing moves that will melt belly fat and give your abs a productive workout.

4 Standing Exercises That Shrink Belly Fat

Standing Cross-Body Chop

“This move is great for hitting obliques and mimicking real-life movement,” Chris explains.

1. Stand tall, feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Hold a dumbbell with both hands over your right shoulder.
3. Activate your abs as you twist or “chop” the weight diagonally across your body, bringing it toward your left hip.
4. Reverse the motion.

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High Knees

“This exercise boosts heart rate while working your abs, hips, and shoulders,” Chris notes.

1. Stand tall.
2. Quickly alternate lifting one knee as high as you can as if running in place.
3. Maintain good posture throughout.

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Standing Side Crunch

“This exercise requires controlled movement that works the obliques without going to the floor,” Chris says.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

1. Begin standing tall with your hands behind your head.
2. Lift your left knee up toward your left elbow, crunching through the waist.
3. Alternate sides.

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Kettlebell Swings

“This is one of the best full-body, calorie-burning moves that also hits the posterior chain and core,” Chris points out.

1. Grab a kettlebell, holding it with both hands by the handle.
2. Stand tall with your feet hip-distance apart.
3. Hold on tight and swing the kettlebell to eye level or a bit higher.
4. Swing it down between your legs.
5. Thrust the weight forward, using your glutes and hips for control.

Alexa Mellardo