3-step abs - standing moves

Features
By Nick Hutchings
last updated

Use standing moves to target your abs and burn more fat

exercise
(Image credit: unknown)

Dumbbell overhead lunge

abs exercise

(Image credit: unknown)

Sets: 3  Reps: 8 each side
Your abs are under tension throughout this move – they stop your upper body from tipping forwards. Using your upper and lower body together will burn calories. 

  • Step forward into the lunge, keeping your knees, ankles and hips in line.
  • Keep your arms in line with your torso throughout.

Tornado chop

abs exercise

(Image credit: unknown)

Sets: 3  Time: 40 seconds

You side abs are targeted with this high-velocity move that will keep your heart rate high enough to burn fat.

  • Use a weight that you can hold at the same height for the whole move.
  • Keep your shoulders back and do as many reps as you can in the time allowed.

Dumbbell diagonal raise

abs exercise

(Image credit: unknown)

Sets: 3  Reps: 8 each side

By keeping your arms almost straight you ensure that the force lifting the weight comes from your abs to maximise muscle fatigue.

  • Rotate and lift the weight while keeping your arms almost straight.
  • Do each rep slowly to remove momentum from the lift.
Nick Hutchings

Nick Hutchings worked for Men’s Fitness UK, which predated, and then shared a website with, Coach. Nick worked as digital editor from 2008 to 2011, head of content until 2014, and finally editor-in-chief until 2015.