Toe Touches
About This Exercise
A core exercise that targets the rectus abdominis.
How to Perform
- 1
Setup
Lie flat on your back on a mat. Extend your legs straight up toward the ceiling so they are perpendicular to the floor. Extend your arms straight up above your chest, pointing toward your toes.
- 2
Reach for Your Toes
Exhale and contract your abs to lift your shoulders and upper back off the mat. Reach your hands toward your toes, keeping your arms straight. Focus on using your core to drive the movement.
- 3
Touch and Squeeze
Reach as high as you can, ideally touching or getting close to your toes. Squeeze your abs hard at the top of the movement and hold for a brief moment.
- 4
Lower with Control
Slowly lower your shoulders back toward the mat with control, keeping your arms extended and legs vertical. Do not let your shoulders fully rest on the mat between reps to maintain tension.
Form Tips
- •Keep your legs as straight and vertical as possible throughout
- •Lift by contracting your abs, not by swinging your arms
- •Keep your chin slightly tucked, not jammed into your chest
- •Exhale as you crunch up, inhale as you lower down
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Letting the legs drift forward away from vertical
- •Using arm momentum to swing up instead of engaging the core
- •Not lifting the shoulder blades fully off the mat
- •Rushing through reps without controlled movement
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
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