Heel touches are an abdominal exercise where you lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, then reach your hands towards your heels by crunching to each side.
How to Perform Heel Touches:
- Starting Position: Lie on your back with your knees bent at approximately 90 degrees and your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Your arms should be at your sides.
- Execution: Engage your abdominal muscles and lift your head and shoulders slightly off the floor.
- Reach: Alternate reaching your right hand towards your right heel and then your left hand towards your left heel. Focus on contracting your oblique muscles as you reach.
- Repetitions: Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.
- Maintain Form: Keep your lower back pressed against the floor and avoid pulling on your neck. Focus on using your abdominal muscles to control the movement.
Important Considerations:
- Neck Support: Be mindful of your neck position and avoid straining it. A common mistake is to pull on the neck, which can lead to injury.
- Core Engagement: Focus on engaging your core muscles throughout the exercise to maximize effectiveness.
- Controlled Movement: Perform the exercise with slow, controlled movements rather than rushing through it.