You don’t need an exercise machine to perform standing ab exercises. You can work your stomach muscles in the privacy of your own home if you choose.

One easy standing ab exercise is the cross knee crunch. Stand up straight, keeping your shoulders in line with your hips. While you are raising your right arm into the air, extend your left leg to the side, pointing your toes down. Then, lift your left knee and bring your right elbow down diagonally until elbow and knee touch. Return to your original position and repeat on your other side.

Another useful exercise is the side lift. Again, stand straight with your shoulders and hips in line. Lift your right arm and put your weight on your left leg. Turn your right leg out at your hip so that the leg is at your side and point your toes. Bring your knee up at your side while you are bringing your elbow down until your elbow and knee meet. Repeat on the other side.

Think of rowing a boat. Stand with your feet about three feet apart and bend your knees slightly. Your toes should be pointing out. Keep your hips steady and still throughout your repetitions. Clasp your hands together, intertwining your fingers. Move your hands to your chest and start “rowing” side to side, returning your hands to your chest between each row.

Stand three feet apart again with your toes pointing out. Bend your knees and clasp your hands in front of you. As you push up out of your knee bend, raise your clasped hands over your head and lean your arms to the right. When you move back into your bent knees, bring your arms back down center front. Then repeat the movements to your left.

Doing your abdominal exercises standing up is a nice change from being on the floor all of the time. Use standing ab exercises to add variety to your exercise program.