You might find it surprising to know that to reduce belly fat, simply standing up can make a difference. Standing exercises are highly effective at engaging your core and trimming your waistline. To delve deeper, we consulted with Dr. Laurie Binder, LAC MS RNCNP LCCE, from Santa Monica Acupuncture and Wellness, who shared five standing exercises that outperform sit-ups in reducing belly fat, especially after turning 40.

Exercises done while standing not only burn calories but also build muscle, which is essential for a strong, well-defined midsection. They can sometimes be more beneficial than traditional floor exercises.

According to Binder, “Standing exercises consume more calories than floor routines because they employ large muscle groups like the legs, glutes, and back, as well as the core. This enhances fat burning and activates deep core muscles, which help in slimming the waist and improving posture.” Binder adds, “These exercises compel the core to stabilize, rotate, or counteract movement. This comprehensive core engagement tightens the waist and enhances the body’s fat-burning capacity, continuing the effects even after the workout concludes.”

Standing Oblique Crunch

“This activates obliques and hip flexors while improving balance and keeping the core fully engaged,” Binder tells us.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

1. Stand tall with your hands behind your head.
2. Lift one knee as you crunch the elbow on the same side toward it.
3. Return to the start position.
4. Repeat on the other side, continuing to alternate.

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Woodchopper

“This strengthens obliques, abs, and lower back through rotation, helping define the waist,” says Binder.

1. Stand tall, feet shoulder-distance 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. Reverse the motion.
4. Repeat on the other side.

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High Knees

“This high-intensity cardio burns fat while the core stabilizes the body,” Binder notes.

1. Stand tall, feet hip-distance apart and arms at your sides.
2. Lift your right knee up toward your chest, as high as you’re able to.
3. At the same time, swing your left arm forward and right arm back.
4. Alternate sides at a fast pace.

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Standing Side Leg Raises

“This strengthens obliques and hips, engaging deep core muscles for a slimmer waist,” Binder points out.

1. Stand tall.
2. Lift one leg out to the side, keeping it straight.
3. Return to the center.
4. Alternate sides.

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Reverse Lunge with Twist

“This combines strength, balance, and core rotation to burn calories and tighten the waist,” Binder says.

1. Begin standing tall.
2. Step one foot back into a lunge.
3. Twist your torso forward toward the front leg.
4. Repeat on the other side.

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

Alexa Mellardo