Abs & core
L-Sit Toe Touches
A crunch where your legs point straight up and you reach your hands to your toes. Your legs stay still in the L position, so your abs do the lifting.
- Works
- Core, hip flexors
- Equipment
- A mat
- Load
- Bodyweight
How to do it
- 1Lie on your back and lift your legs straight up over your hips, so your body makes an L. Press your lower back into the mat.
- 2Reach your arms up toward your feet.
- 3Crunch up, lifting your shoulder blades off the mat, and touch or reach toward your toes.
- 4Lower your shoulders back down with control, keeping your legs still, and go again.
Cues
- Legs stay still, abs do the lifting.
- Reach for the ceiling, not just forward.
- Breathe out as you reach.
Common mistakes
- Swinging your arms. Lift with your abs. Your arms just follow along.
- Legs drifting down. Keep your feet over your hips. If the backs of your legs are tight, bend your knees a little.
- Pulling with your neck. Keep a fist of space between your chin and chest and lift from your upper back.
Easier
Bend your knees a little, or reach for your shins instead of your toes.
Harder
Hold one light dumbbell in both hands and reach it up past your feet, or pause for 1 second at the top.
Try it: 3 rounds of 30 seconds on and 15 seconds off.
Are L-sit toe touches the same as toe touch crunches?
Yes. You lie on your back with your legs straight up and crunch up to reach your toes. It isn't the gymnastics L-sit, where you hold yourself up on your hands; the name comes from the L shape your body makes.
