money 6 Unique Toe Touch Variations That Create a Killer Total-Body Workout
If the only image that comes to mind when you hear the words “toe touch” is something that cheerleaders do, think again. Reaching for your toes in your workout will build the core strength needed to climb up hills, sprint to the finish, or even just go on a leisurely ride to clear your head.
That’s why Amber Rees, Barry’s Bootcamp instructor and Brave Body Project cofounder, put together a circuit that includes unique variations on toe touches in every exercise. You’ll perform moves like squats, push-ups, and sit-ups in this routine, which makes for a great total-body workout for the cross-training days on your schedule.
How to do it: Perform 3 sets of 10 reps for each exercise or perform each exercise for 60 seconds and repeat the circuit 3 times. Rest for 60 seconds between sets.
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Squat to Alternating Toe Touch
Stand with feet hip-width apart with core tight, hands behind head. Send hips back and bend knees to lower until your thighs are nearly parallel to the ground. Stand back up to the starting position. Draw right leg up to parallel with floor and reach your left hand to the outside of your right foot, rotating your torso as much as possible. Return to starting position. That’s 1 rep. Perform another squat, then repeat on the opposite side (right hand to the outside of left foot). Continue to alternate.
Hands to Toes Low Burpee
Start in a high plank position (hands flat on the floor slightly wider than shoulder-width, wrists in line with shoulders, legs extended so body forms a straight line from head to toe), then hop your feet forward so they land in the middle of your hands. Bring hands up off that ground to drop into a deep squat position. Place hands on ground again, then hop your feet back to high plank position. That’s 1 rep. Repeat.
Push-Up to Downward Dog With Toe Touch
Start in a high plank position (hands flat on the floor slightly wider than shoulder-width, wrists in line with shoulders, legs extended so body forms a straight line from head to toe), then perform one push-up by bending elbows (allowing them to flare out at a 45-degree angle from shoulders) and lowering your chest to the floor. Press through hands to push back up to high plank position. Next, go into a downward dog by sending your hips back into an inverted V position. Lift right hand off ground to reach back and tap left toe, then return right hand back onto the ground. Lift left hand off ground to reach back and tap right toe, then return left hand back onto the ground. That’s 1 rep. Repeat.
Side Plank With Forward Toe Touch
Start in side plank position with left forearm on ground, forming a straight line from your head to your feet, feet stacked on top of each other, and hips high off the ground. Kick top foot (right foot) out in front of you and reach right hand to top of right foot. Return to starting position. That’s 1 rep. Complete reps then repeat on other side (side plank with right forearm on ground, reaching left hand to left foot).
Sit-Up to Alternating Toe Touch
Lie faceup, feet planted on the floor with your knees bent. Perform a sit-up by engaging abs and slowly curling your shoulder blades off the floor. Straighten right leg and reach left arm to right toe, rotating your torso as you do so. Return to starting position. That’s 1 rep. Repeat on opposite side (reaching right arm to left toe). Continue to alternate.
Jackknife to Alternating Toe Touch
Lie faceup, feet planted on the floor with your knees bent. Raise legs up to the sky so your body forms a 90-degree angle, then raise arms so they are extended straight overhead. Lower arms and legs slowly, then return back to starting position. Tap right leg with left arm, then tap left leg with right arm. That’s 1 rep. Repeat.
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