Chest
Push Up to Toe Touch
A push up, then you lift your hips into an upside down V and reach one hand back to the opposite foot. It works your chest, arms and core, and stretches the backs of your legs.
- Works
- Chest, core, triceps, front shoulders, obliques
- Equipment
- No equipment
- Load
- Bodyweight
How to do it
- 1Start in a high plank with your hands a little wider than your shoulders and your feet about hip width apart.
- 2Lower your chest toward the floor and push back up.
- 3Push your hips up and back into an upside down V, and reach your right hand to your left foot or shin.
- 4Put the hand back down, lower to the plank and do the next push up, reaching with your left hand.
Cues
- Hips up high before you reach.
- Reach for your shin if your toes are too far.
- Press through the hand on the floor to stay steady.
Common mistakes
- Reaching before your hips are up. Lift your hips first. It makes room for the reach and keeps you balanced.
- Hips sagging on the push up. Squeeze your glutes and keep your body straight.
- Rushing back into the push up. Come all the way back to a steady plank first.
Easier
Do the push up from your knees, then come up onto your toes for the reach, or reach for your knee instead of your foot.
Harder
Take 3 seconds to lower on each push up, or hold the toe touch for 1 second.
Try it: 3 rounds of 30 seconds on and 15 seconds off.
What muscles does a push up to toe touch work?
Your chest, shoulders and triceps on the push up, and your core and obliques as you lift your hips and reach across. Lifting your hips also stretches your hamstrings and calves.
