This week’s workout is Toe-Touch Crunches. Toe-Touch Crunches takes your standard ab crunch and adds in a nice hamstring stretch and isometric hold for your hip flexors. They’re very simple to do and can be worked into any “Ab Day” routine! Here’s how to do them: - Start by lying flat on your back , arms at your sides , with your legs straight on the ground. Use a gym mat , or carpet if you’re at home , to make this more comfortable.
- Raise both legs straight up so your body is making an “L” shape.
- Next , raise your arms straight out in front of you so your body is now making a “U” shape.
- Now perform a crunch by reaching forward , bringing only your shoulder blades off the ground , and try to touch your toes.
- Return to the starting position. Congratulations , you just performed one Toe-Touch Crunch! Try doing 2-3 sets of 15-20 crunches.
Tips: - For more difficulty , try holding a weight or medicine ball and perform the same motion. If holding both legs up is too difficult , try doing one leg at a time.
- To reduce the risk of neck pain look straight ahead.
- If you feel an abnormal amount of pressure in your back or neck , stop this exercise immediately and consult your doctor.
We hope you’ll try Toe-Touch Crunches over the weekend and then build this exercise into your daily routine Monday through Friday of the coming week. Want more fitness ideas? If you’re a member with access to the Wellness Coaching program , reach out to your Wellness Coach for more healthy ideas to get—and stay—fit. And remember , talk to your doctor before beginning any new fitness regimen.
