Denise Austin’s Favorite Standing Crunch for Lower Belly Toning: Expert Tips & Results
This simple core move builds strength, protects your back, and boosts stability anywhere.
Denise Austin’s Go-To Move: The Standing Crunch for a Toned Lower Belly
When it comes to achieving a stronger core and targeting the often-stubborn lower belly area, few experts offer as much real-world wisdom as Denise Austin. Now in her late sixties, Austin continues to inspire generations of women—and men—with effective, accessible workouts. In her recent social media video, she highlighted the standing crunch as her favorite move for flattening the lower belly, demonstrating how it can be incorporated into any fitness routine, particularly for individuals over fifty.
Why Focus on the Lower Belly?
The lower abdominal muscles are an area many people wish to tone, but they are often resistant to change. In addition to cosmetic concerns, strengthening this region offers numerous health benefits, including improved posture, balance, and core stability, which are increasingly important as we age.
- Improved Core Strength: A strong core helps with everyday movement and supports the back.
- Postural Benefits: Targeting the lower belly can lead to better posture and reduced strain on the lower back.
- Functional Fitness: Lower belly work translates to easier movement and increased stability in daily activities.
- Confidence Boost: Achieving visible progress in challenging areas can improve how you feel about your body.
Introducing the Standing Crunch: Denise Austin’s Signature Move
Denise Austin touts the standing crunch as her absolute go-to for flattening the lower belly. Unlike traditional lying-down crunches, standing crunches are gentler on the neck and back and can be performed almost anywhere, making them accessible for beginners and older adults.
How to Perform Denise Austin’s Standing Crunch
Equipment needed: None required; optional dumbbells for added intensity.
- Stand tall with feet hip-width apart.
- Hold a light dumbbell in each hand for an added challenge.
- Engage your core by pulling your belly button in and up.
- Lift one knee towards your chest while simultaneously bringing the opposite elbow down to meet it, creating a crunching motion.
- Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
- Perform 15 repetitions on each side for an effective set.
According to Austin, maintaining focus on actively engaging the abs—rather than relying on momentum—is the secret to this move’s effectiveness.
Watch Denise Austin’s Demonstration
Austin’s demonstration video shows her confidently executing the move while offering real-time cues about posture and engagement. Her energetic presence and clear instructions make even first-timers feel welcome to try the exercise.
Benefits of the Standing Crunch Over Traditional Ab Work
- No floor work required: Ideal for those with limited mobility or anyone who prefers to stay off the mat.
- Easy on the neck and back: Standing variations reduce strain compared to lying crunches.
- Functional movement: Standing crunches mimic real-life patterns, helping your core work the way it does in daily activities.
- Can be done anywhere: No equipment, mat, or special clothing required—just stand up and go.
Amplify Results: Adding Dumbbells and Extra Moves
Austin often performs the standing crunch while holding light hand weights. This increases the intensity, adding a strength component to the movement that tones the arms and shoulders in addition to the abs.
You can further boost your results by pairing standing crunches with other core-activating exercises, such as:
- Side-to-side bends for oblique strength
- Standing knee lifts to promote hip mobility
- Pelvic tilts and gentle twists for abdominal activation
- Dynamic windmills to engage the entire torso
Step-by-Step: The Perfect Technique for Standing Crunches
- Prepare: Stand tall, feet about hip-distance apart, holding dumbbells at your sides if desired.
- Engage the Core: Pull your belly button in and up so your abs are tight but not rigid.
- Lift and Crunch: Bring your left knee up towards your chest as you drive your right elbow towards it, crunching the abs as you twist slightly through the torso.
- Lower with Control: Step back to standing with good posture. Repeat on the opposite side.
- Breathe: Exhale as you crunch, inhale as you return to standing.
Fashion & Footwear: Move Like Denise Austin
In the video, Denise wears matching pink leggings and a cropped top, holding pink weights. She emphasizes the importance of comfortable footwear, favoring her Easy Spirit Mel Emove sneakers in a vibrant pink color. The takeaway: Dressing in comfortable, cheerful gear can boost your motivation and make workouts more enjoyable.
Standing Crunches for Every Age and Level
This effective move is suitable for all ages, but it’s especially helpful for women over 50 looking to keep active, protect joint health, and maintain balance. The standing crunch can be adapted for any fitness level:
- Beginners: Start without weights, keep the motion small, and focus on form.
- Intermediate: Hold light dumbbells and increase knee height for extra challenge.
- Advanced: Add a brisk tempo, heavier weights, or perform for more repetitions or sets.
Tips for Best Results: Denise’s Core Engagement Cues
- Always pull your belly button up and in before starting the move for proper core activation.
- Don’t rush: Controlled motion is key to ensuring the abs—not momentum—are doing the work.
- Breathe out as you crunch and in as you reset.
- Keep shoulders relaxed even as you drive elbows down toward the knee.
Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes and Solutions
| Mistake | How to Fix |
|---|---|
| Leaning forward excessively | Keep chest open; only hinge slightly at the hips and waist while crunching. |
| Using momentum, not muscle | Move slowly and focus on a strong contraction at the top. |
| Neglecting posture | Maintain a straight spine, keep shoulders stacked over hips. |
| Holding breath | Breathe continuously, exhaling with the crunch and inhaling as you lower. |
Sample Mini Workout: Lower Belly Blast Routine
- Standing Crunches: 15 per side
- Side Bends: 12 per side
- Standing Knee Lifts: 15 per side
- Pelvic Tilts (standing): 15 reps
- Repeat circuit 2-3 times for a comprehensive lower belly workout
This quick sequence can be added to any workout or done on its own a few times a week for best results.
Denise Austin’s Philosophy: Longevity and Enjoyment
Austin firmly believes in making movement enjoyable and approachable. Her enthusiastic approach encourages people of all backgrounds to try new exercises without fear. She is a vocal advocate for regular, moderate exercise as a means to support not just aesthetics, but holistic health—mental, physical, and emotional. “Every little bit counts, so do your best, and don’t stress perfection,” says Austin. Consistency is more important than intensity, especially for lifelong wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I do standing lower belly crunches?
Aim for 2-4 times per week, allowing rest in between sessions for muscle recovery and growth.
Do I need dumbbells to get results?
No. The move is effective with or without weights. Dumbbells simply add resistance to intensify the exercise.
Can standing crunches replace regular ab workouts?
Standing crunches are an excellent addition to any routine, but for optimal core strength and aesthetic results, combine them with a variety of core exercises, including planks and rotational moves.
What if I have back pain?
Standing crunches are generally gentler on the back than floor crunches. However, always check with your physician before starting a new exercise if you have ongoing pain or injuries.
Can I do this exercise if I’m a beginner or over 50?
Absolutely. The standing crunch is designed to be simple and effective for every fitness level, with special suitability for older adults due to its low impact and focus on core balance.
More from Denise Austin: Keep Moving, Stay Motivated
- Try more standing ab routines: Austin offers a variety of 10-minute core workouts on her social platforms.
- Focus on full-body wellness: Combine core work with walks, gentle strength training, and stretching.
- Stay inspired: Follow fitness professionals who prioritize health at every age for consistent motivation.
Whether you’re just beginning your wellness journey or seeking fresh ideas to invigorate your routine, Denise Austin’s signature standing crunch offers a safe, accessible, and time-efficient way to target the lower belly and build whole-body strength—no floor required. The key is in consistency, proper form, and, as Austin always reminds, finding joy in movement every day.
References
- https://www.prevention.com/fitness/workouts/a60385920/denise-austin-favorite-workout-move-toning-lower-belly-instagram-video/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCqkh7-ZT5M
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGOZvKSMxbs
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZASWx7e9d4
- https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qSPZl6CM_nU
- https://www.aarp.org/videos/health/fitness/6161959726001/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSJVQcSGqfU
- https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8r2lx4
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