Core
Toe touch crunch
- Kit
- No kit
- Works
- upper abs · lower abs
- Also
- obliques · hip flexors
The toe touch crunch is done lying on your back with both legs straight up over the hips. You reach your hands toward your toes so the shoulders curl off the mat, then lower them. With the legs held up, the upper abs do the lifting while the lower abs hold the legs still. It needs no equipment and suits anyone looking for a crunch that trains the abs from both ends at the same time.
Form
How to do toe touch crunch
- 1Lie on your back on a mat and lift both legs straight up so your feet are over your hips. Soften your knees if your hamstrings are tight.
- 2Reach both arms up toward your feet and press your lower back gently into the mat.
- 3Breathe out and curl your head and shoulders off the floor, reaching your hands toward your toes.
- 4Lower your shoulders back down slowly, breathing in, keeping the legs where they are.
- 5Repeat at a steady pace until the timer ends. Keep your chin slightly tucked and your neck relaxed.
Watch for
Common mistakes
Pulling with the neck and jutting the chin forward.
Fix: Imagine holding an orange under your chin and let the ribs lift the shoulders.
The legs drop toward the floor or swing as you reach.
Fix: Hold the legs still over your hips. Bend the knees a little if you cannot keep them there.
Throwing the arms up to create momentum.
Fix: Move slowly and pause at the top so the abs control each rep.
Variations
Easier and harder
Sessions
Put it in a workout
None of the fixed workouts uses it. Pick a workout for your kit, or start today's session on /gym.