![\"Health-Conscious](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2213215505_1774b7.jpg\")
\n\t\tMaking a cuppa? Sqeeze in this ab toning workout while you\u2019re there (Credits: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tMaking a cuppa? Sqeeze in this ab toning workout while you\u2019re there (Credits: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Having a strong core has very little to do with how your stomach looks and everything to do with how your body functions. <\/p>\n
If toning your abs makes you feel more confident, well, that\u2019s a added bonus. But for Pilates instructor Hollie\u00a0Grant<\/a>, a six pack is never the aim.<\/p>\n \u2018Your core supports your spine, helps you carry load, and plays a huge role in posture and back comfort,\u2019 Hollie, who specialises in empowering workouts for women,\u00a0tells Metro.<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m far more interested in helping people feel stronger in everyday life \u2014 things like lifting a toddler, carrying shopping, standing for long periods, or getting out of the car without that familiar lower-back twinge.\u2019<\/p>\n The good news is, you don\u2019t have to resign yourself to doing sit-ups to work your abs. In fact, trying a lightning quick, standing workout when you\u2019ve got time to kill might be more effective. <\/p>\n \u2018The beauty of a standing core routine is that it mirrors real life. We don\u2019t spend our days lying on our backs doing crunches \u2014 we\u2019re upright, moving, twisting, reaching, and carrying. Training the core in standing makes it far more transferable,\u2019 says Hollie.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tMore Metro fitness content\t\t\t<\/p>\n \u2018And importantly, this kind of short routine isn\u2019t about \u2018doing more\u2019 \u2014 it\u2019s about doing something useful. Five minutes while the kettle boils is often more sustainable<\/a> than a 45-minute workout you never quite get around to.\u2019<\/p>\n Consider us convinved. As part of our accessible workouts series<\/a>, Hollie has provided Metro with the below routine that\u2019s designed for busy mums<\/a> (or anyone else) who might struggle to find the time to exercise. <\/p>\n It takes approximately five minutes and can be done with a light weight such a dumbbell or water bottle, or with nothing at all.<\/p>\n Exercise 1: Standing Zip-Up (1 minute)<\/p>\n \t\t How to do it: Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart and knees soft. Take a breath in. As you breathe out, imagine gently \u201czipping up\u201d from your pelvic floor to your ribcage \u2014 like doing up a snug pair of jeans. Hold that light engagement for a few seconds, then relax and repeat.<\/p>\n Why it works: This wakes up the deep abdominal muscles that support your spine and pelvis. It\u2019s subtle but incredibly effective \u2014 and especially helpful if you struggle with back ache or feel \u201cunsupported\u201d when carrying weight.<\/p>\n Exercise 2: Standing Anti-Rotation Hold (1 minute)<\/p>\n \t\t How to do it: Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Clasp your hands together in front of your chest. Extend your arms straight out in front of you and hold. Stay tall through the spine, ribs stacked over pelvis, and breathe normally. To make it harder, slowly move the arms a few centimetres side to side without letting your torso twist.<\/p>\n Why it works: This trains your core to resist movement \u2014 which is exactly what you need when you\u2019re carrying a toddler on one side, pushing a buggy, or holding a child while doing something else. It\u2019s brilliant for back support and postural strength.<\/p>\n Exercise 3: Standing Woodchop (1\u20132 minutes)<\/p>\n \t\t \t\t How to do it: Hold a light weight or clasp your hands together. Start with your hands high to one side of your body, then rotate and bring them diagonally down across your body towards the opposite hip. Return to the start and repeat before switching sides.<\/p>\n Why it works: Rotational strength is key for everyday movements \u2014 lifting, twisting, reaching into the back of the car. This works the obliques and helps protect the lower back.<\/p>\n Exercise 4: Standing Hip Hinge with Reach (1 minute)<\/p>\n \t\t How to do it: Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees soft. Hinge forwards slightly at the hips (keeping a long spine), and reach your arms forwards as if you\u2019re passing something across a table. Return to standing and repeat.<\/p>\n Why it works: This links your core to your hips and upper body \u2014 helping you move load through your whole body rather than dumping it into your lower back. It\u2019s very transferable to real-life lifting and carrying.<\/p>\n If you do nothing else today, do this. Five minutes of purposeful movement can make a real difference to how your body feels \u2014 especially if you\u2019re spending your day lifting, carrying, and moving other humans.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Standing-Zip-Up-e1c0.jpg\")
\n\t\tThis first small movement engages the core (Picture: Hollie Grant)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Standing-Anti-Rotation-Hold-7a1b.jpg\")
\n\t\tNext, build up some movement (Picture: Hollie Grant)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Woodchop-1-de33.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe woodchop will work wonders for your lower back (Picture: Hollie Grant)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Woodchop-2-0085.jpg\")
\n\t\tStart with arms high, then move down low (Picture: Hollie Grant)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Hip-Hinge-8101.jpg\")
\n\t\tAnd don\u2019t forget your hips (Picture: Hollie Grant)<\/p>\n
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