Alternating heel-touch

The alternating heel-touch is a popular bodyweight exercise that targets the obliques, as well as the rectus abdominis, or "six-pack" muscles. It can be performed for time or reps as part of any abs-focused circuit or workout.

Benefits

Increases core strength in the obliques and the rectus abdominis
Engages upper-back muscles
Great beginner exercise for targeting obliques
Rectus abdominis contract isometrically while obliques contract dynamically

Type: Strength
Main Muscle Worked: Abdominals
Equipment: Body Only
Level: Intermediate

8

Average

Alternating heel-touch Images

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Alternating heel-touch Instructions

Lie on the floor with the knees bent and the feet on the floor around 18-24 inches apart. Your arms should be extended by your side. This will be your starting position.
Crunch over your torso forward and up about 3-4 inches to the right side and touch your right heel as you hold the contraction for a second. Exhale while performing this movement.
Now go back slowly to the starting position as you inhale.
Now crunch over your torso forward and up around 3-4 inches to the left side and touch your left heel as you hold the contraction for a second. Exhale while performing this movement and then go back to the starting position as you inhale. Now that both heels have been touched, that is considered 1 repetition.
Continue alternating sides in this manner until all prescribed repetitions are done.

Variations: None