90 degrees Heel Touch

Instructions

1
Lie flat on your back on a mat or floor with knees bent and feet flat on the ground, positioned hip-width apart and approximately 12 inches from your buttocks. Arms extended by your sides or crossed over your chest.
2
Engage your core by drawing your navel toward your spine. Maintain a neutral neck position with your gaze directed upward throughout the movement. Ensure lower back maintains contact with the floor.
3
Slowly lower your legs toward the floor in a controlled manner, keeping knees bent at approximately 90 degrees. Allow the torso to extend and the abdominal muscles to lengthen as your legs approach horizontal position. Stop before lower back arches off the floor.
4
Press through your core and engage the rectus abdominis to lift your torso and legs back to the starting position, creating a folding motion at the hips and waist. Return to the seated position with knees bent and chest near thighs, completing one repetition.

PRIMARY MUSCLESRectus Abdominis
SECONDARY MUSCLESIliopsoas, Rectus Femoris, Sartorius, Transverse Abdominis
EQUIPMENTBody weight
DIFFICULTYIntermediate

Overview

If you want to isolate and overload the Rectus Abdominis, the 90 degrees Heel Touch is an excellent addition to your routine. The mechanics of this Strength exercise specifically bias the Waist, while the use of Body weight allows for a smooth, natural resistance curve.

Benefits

  • Reduces the likelihood of Waist injuries by reinforcing connective tissue strength.
  • Allows for a natural movement path that closely mimics functional daily activities.
  • Promotes balanced muscular development by effectively recruiting the Rectus Abdominis and associated synergists.

Common Mistakes

  • Failing to achieve a full range of motion, which drastically limits Rectus Abdominis engagement.
  • Rushing the repetition tempo instead of focusing on the mind-muscle connection with the Waist.
  • Using excessive momentum to swing the Body weight rather than controlling the eccentric phase.
  • Shrugging the shoulders or compensating with secondary muscles rather than isolating the Rectus Abdominis.

Pro Tips

Keep your breathing rhythmic: exhale sharply on the concentric push/pull, and inhale smoothly on the way down.

Exercise Variations

  • Dumbbell 90 degrees Heel Touch
  • Cable 90 degrees Heel Touch
  • Banded 90 degrees Heel Touch

Frequently Asked Questions