90 Degree Heel Touch
Step by step
How to perform
- Extend your arms to your sides, keeping your palms facing down.
- While keeping your arms straight, crunch up and reach your right hand towards your right heel, then return to the starting position.
- Repeat the same movement with your left hand reaching towards your left heel.
- Continue alternating sides for your desired number of repetitions, ensuring your abdominals remain engaged throughout the exercise.
Overview
About this exercise
The 90 Degree Heel Touch is a beneficial exercise that primarily targets the abdominal muscles, helping to strengthen and tone them for improved core stability. This exercise is suitable for individuals at all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced athletes, as it can be easily modified to match one's ability. Someone would want to do this exercise not only to enhance their core strength and stability, but also to improve their overall posture, reduce back pain, and increase their body's functional movement.
Coaching cues
Form tips
The key to performing this exercise effectively is to maintain controlled movement. Avoid swinging your body or using momentum to reach your heels, as this can lead to back strain or other injuries. Instead, engage your abdominal muscles to slowly move your upper body from side to side.
One common mistake is to look down at your heels as you touch them. This can strain your neck. Instead, keep your eyes focused on the ceiling throughout the exercise. This will help maintain proper alignment and prevent neck strain.
Remember to breathe in as you return to the center and breathe out as you reach for your heel.