How to Perform Toe Reaches

Studies prove that extra fat around the stomach area is one of the leading causes of heart disease. However, core strengthening exercises like toe reaches can give you a sleeker, healthier mid-region. Eating a healthy diet plus doing balanced sets of varied exercises like the toe reach together in a workout is a faster way to tighter abdominal muscles than doing 1,000 crunches a day.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Option 1

1. Lie flat on a mat on your back.

2. Place your hands straight back over you head so that the palms are face up on the mat.

3. Stretch both legs up straight into the air so that your body is at a 90- degree angle. If you are prone to back pain, do these exercises with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle in the air or with your feet planted flat on the floor.

4. Inhale as you prepare to lift, and then exhale once you touch your fingertips to your ankles. Don't move your legs towards you, only your core should be moving towards them. Immediately return your back to the floor.

5. Keep the tension in your abs during the exercise by not allowing your shoulders to touch the mat again. Nearly lay back onto the mat before curling back up to touch your fingers to your ankles.

6. Complete this exercise as many time as you'd like, feeling the burn throughout your abdominal and scapular muscles.

Option 2

7. Sit on a mat, extending your left leg directly out in front of you. Fold your right foot so that its entire sole is pressed against your inner left thigh.

8. Stretch your arms and touch the toes on your left foot. Keep the core of your body extended in this way for about 3 seconds then release.

9. Repeat this movement at least 5 times.

10. Extend your right leg out in front of you and repeat the same steps taken when your left leg was outstretched.

11. Complete these toe reaches for a minimum of 1 minute or more.

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