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Core Bodyweight Beginner Video

How to do the Toe Touch Crunch

Primary: Core · also works Hip Flexors, Obliques. Also called: toe touches, vertical leg crunch.

Demo video: Toe Touch Crunch · from the Fitbe exercise library Open in Fitbe →

Step by step

  1. 1

    Lie on your back with legs straight up toward the ceiling.

  2. 2

    Extend your arms toward your feet.

  3. 3

    Exhale and crunch your shoulders off the floor, reaching your hands toward your toes.

  4. 4

    Pause at the top with your lower back on the floor.

  5. 5

    Lower slowly and repeat.

Coaching cues

  • Reach with the ribs, not the arms
  • Exhale on the way up
  • Keep the legs still

Common mistakes

  • Swinging the legs
  • Straining the neck
  • Using momentum

Sets, reps and where it fits

Muscle

3–4 × 12–20

rest 60–90 s

Strength

not a strength lift

use for assistance

Fat loss

3 × 12–20

rest 45–60 s

Impact: low Knee stress: low Spine load: low Home-friendly

Toe Touch Crunch alternatives

Same movement pattern, different equipment or difficulty. Swap one-for-one in any plan.

CrunchBodyweight · beginner V-UpBodyweight · intermediate Reverse CrunchBodyweight · beginner Lying Leg RaiseBodyweight · beginner Bicycle CrunchBodyweight · beginner Bird DogBodyweight · beginner

Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the Toe Touch Crunch work?

Primary: Core. Secondary: Core, Hip Flexors, Obliques

How many sets and reps of Toe Touch Crunch should I do?

For muscle: 3–4 sets of 12–20 reps. For strength on compound lifts: 4–5 sets of 4–6. Rest 60–120 seconds between sets.

What can I do instead of the Toe Touch Crunch?

Same movement pattern, different equipment: Crunch, V-Up, Reverse Crunch, Lying Leg Raise, Bicycle Crunch, Bird Dog.

Is the Toe Touch Crunch good for beginners?

Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement; start light, master the steps above and add load gradually.