Movement overview

Toe Touches are a core exercise targeting the abdominal muscles, specifically the rectus abdominis. This exercise involves lying on your back and reaching your hands towards your toes, engaging the core to lift the shoulders off the ground.

Step-by-step cues

1. Lie flat on your back on a mat with your legs extended straight up towards the ceiling.
2. Keep your arms extended straight above your chest, palms facing each other.
3. Engage your core by drawing your belly button towards your spine.
4. Exhale and lift your shoulders off the mat, reaching your fingertips towards your toes.
5. Hold the top position briefly, ensuring maximum contraction of the abdominal muscles.
6. Inhale and slowly lower your shoulders back to the mat, maintaining control.
7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Technical tips

• Keep your lower back pressed against the mat throughout the exercise to prevent strain.
• Focus on using your abdominal muscles to lift rather than pulling with your neck or shoulders.
• Maintain a steady and controlled movement; avoid using momentum to reach higher.
• If you find it difficult to keep legs straight, slightly bend them but ensure they remain elevated.
• Breathe out as you reach up and breathe in as you return to the starting position.