Toe Touch Crunch
The toe touch crunch is a bodyweight ab exercise performed with legs vertical. Reaching toward the feet from this elevated position increases the range of motion and demands greater abdominal contraction than a standard crunch.
How to do it
- Lie flat on your back and raise your legs straight up perpendicular to the floor.
- Extend your arms toward the ceiling.
- Engage your core and reach your hands toward your feet by lifting your shoulders off the ground.
- Pause at the top of the movement, contracting your abs.
- Slowly lower your upper body back to the floor.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Form cues
- Keep your legs as straight as comfortable.
- Reach your fingertips toward your toes.
- Lift your shoulder blades off the floor.
- Exhale as you crunch upward.
Breathing: Exhale deeply as you lift your upper body toward your feet, and inhale as you lower back down with control.
Common mistakes
- Pulling on your neck with your hands strains your cervical spine and reduces core activation.
- Using momentum to swing upward instead of using your abs reduces the workload on your target muscles.
- Bending your knees too much makes the movement too easy and shifts focus away from the upper abs.
Muscles worked
Primary: abs. Secondary: hip flexors, obliques.
Suggested sets & reps
Get fitter
3 sets x 10-12 reps, rest 60 seconds
Lose weight
3 sets x 12-15 reps, rest 45 seconds
Build muscle
3 sets x 10-12 reps, rest 60 seconds
Easier, harder & alternatives
Take care if…
- If you feel lower back discomfort, reduce your range of motion or bend your knees slightly.
General educational guidance, not medical advice. Stop on sharp pain and check with a qualified professional if unsure.
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Start free →Frequently asked questions
What if I can't touch my toes?
Just reach as high as you comfortably can while keeping your legs straight. Flexibility will improve over time.
Why do my neck muscles hurt?
You are likely pulling your head with your hands. Focus on lifting your chest toward the ceiling using your abs instead.
Can I do this exercise every day?
It is best to give your abs a day of rest between sessions to allow for muscle recovery.