- Denise Austin shared a series of moves that target the ab muscles.
- Austin says the exercises may be particularly beneficial for those going through menopause.
Denise Austin took to Instagram to share five easy ab exercises—none of which require getting on the floor.
While anyone can benefit from these moves, Austin specifically recommends them for what she calls “stubborn meno belly”—meaning the fat women often gain around the stomach during menopause.
“During menopause our hormones shift and so many of us start noticing more fat storage right around the middle… even when nothing else about our routine has changed!! It is not your fault and it does not mean you are stuck!!” she wrote in a caption accompanying her instructional videos. The 69-year-old’s simple workout is designed to “tighten and tone” your core during this phase of life.
So, how does the longtime fitness guru suggest working your abs? Learn more below.
How to do Austin’s standing ab moves
Crunch pull-down
Hold a hand weight in both hands. Reach all the way up with the hand weight, then bring it down as you pull one knee up. Continue in this manner, alternating knees as you bring the hand weight down.
Waist twist
Hold a hand weight between your hands with both palms open. Stand with your feet apart and twist as you move the weight from side to side.
Oblique crunch
Hold a hand weight vertically in both hands. Begin with your arms stretched out in front of you and one leg stretched behind you. As you pull the weight toward your hip, swing your back leg forward until your knee is level with your hip. After completing a set on one side, repeat on the other.
Woodchopper
Hold a hand weight with two hands. Reach up and to the right, letting your left leg extend, then reach down and to the left, bending your left knee and letting your right leg extend. After completing a set on one side, repeat on the other.
Side crunch
Hold a hand weight in one open hand, and place the other hand on your hip. Bend your elbow to pull the weight down as you raise your knee on the same side, until your elbow nearly grazes your knee. After completing a set on one side, repeat on the other.
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