Ab exercises (standing up)

I teach Zumba, so I have to come up with moves that works our abs as we dance. My main one is get into a squat position (play some good music) and move your hips back and forth. While doing that, crunch your tummy. Wow...this is hard to describe. BUT, go to youtube and look up Hip Hop abs. That will help.

If you can do planks...these are super awesome!!!!

And also look up Ab Vacuums. I do these standing up. You actually pull your abs in and hold them. But, look then up on Youtube. Some people can do them awesome (they look gross) mine are not as good, but they are getting better.

I have done the Hip Hop Abs workouts and even though I felt ridiculous doing them they really did help. The exercises are done mainly standing or in C sit positions. It uses a tilt, tuck, and tighten method. You tilt your shoulders, just like you would doing a crunch when you lift shoulders off the ground, you tuck your hips in like in a thrust, and you tighten your abs at the same time. You can do these also leaning side to side to work your obliques. It is really effective if you do them while holding 3 to 5 lb dumbbells close to your chest as you "crunch". I'm sure you can check it out on youtube to better see what I'm talking about. I know it worked for me because I did a class today where they did a lot of ab work and I thought I wouldn't make it, but I was able to do everything they did and at the same pace. I've had muscle damage to my abs due to surgeries and 2 c sections. I thought nice abs were just a dream for me but I'm beginning to believe they might be possible!!

Cable crunches are a good alternative as a standing up exercise as well as hanging leg raises and dumbbell side bends.