Forget crunches and planks — standing ab standing ab exercises with kettlebell can effectively work your entire core, from your six-pack abs to your obliques (the abdominal muscles that hug your side) to the stabilizer muscles that keep your spine safe.

One of the best parts about these moves is that you can do them while standing, which means they are easier for people with blood pressure issues or joint problems, says Joanna Castro, NASM-CPT coach at Body Space Fitness in New York City. And they can be incorporated into any workout, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on a challenge or hitting the gym floor.

Stand Up for Stronger Abs: The Best Kettlebell Exercises You Can Do While Standing

The key is to make sure you maintain stability, which is important for all major lifts. This will help you to hone in on your core and improve overall balance, strength and flexibility, according to Jennifer Duncan, an NCCPT certified personal trainer at BBYO New York.

Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart and hold a kettlebell in front of your lower abdomen in both hands. Brace your core and pass the kettlebell around your body, switching hands for each pass.

Using your left hand, pull the kettlebell back towards the side of your chest and then back to the starting position with your right arm. Be sure to keep your elbow tucked in close to your body.

Repeat the exercise with your right hand on the same side and then switch sides. Perform 8-12 reps each leg for a total of 20 reps per side.