Standing crunch works whole midsection
We can get a core workout in many different daily activities even when we are not trying to. Nearly every fitness move we perform is done more efficiently when our abdominals are engaged as well.
Our move today is a standing weighted diagonal crunch. You will need a light hand weight for this exercise. This exercise will be focusing on your whole midsection and will require a little focus and body balance as well.
Begin this exercise by standing tall, with your feet slightly wider than hip width. Hold your hand weight in both hands, tucked into your chest. Keeping your chest tall, and engaging your midsection, shift your weight to one foot. Once you find your balance, you are ready to start your crunching movement.
With your free leg, proceed to bend in the knee and tuck it into your midsection. At the same time, proceed to twist in your middle angle in your upper body toward your lifted bent knee. This should create a deeper contraction in your midsection.
Once you reach your tightest squeeze, return this movement back to your starting position, but only slightly tapping the toe of your free leg to the floor.
Keeping this movement on the same side for your first set, simply repeat the twisting and tucking motion for at least 10 times. Release your positioning and shift your weight to the opposite side and repeat the same movement going the other direction.
Continue this diagonal crunch from side to side for at least three sets on each side. If at any time you find your balance is compromised, sit on the edge of a chair and continue the same exercise. If you need to add intensity, increase your hand weight to create more resistance.
This exercise can be performed all by itself, or added into any other abdominal routine. It is also great to add as a finisher with lower-body routines.