Lying Toe Touch

Lie on your back with your legs straight toward the ceiling and your arms reaching toward your toes. Keep your back down and brace your core before curling your upper body.

Curl your upper body a short distance and reach your fingertips toward your toes. Fold through your upper abs so your shoulders lift instead of swinging your arms.

Lower your upper body slowly and gently return your shoulders to the floor. Keep your legs up and your core engaged as you control the speed.

Focus on the short fold in your upper abs, not on touching your feet. A deep tightening sensation in your upper abs means you are on target.

Bouncing your arms or letting your legs sway reduces abdominal engagement. Lift your shoulders with your core even if you reach less high.

Exhale as you reach up and inhale as you lower. Finish the exhale to deepen the upper-ab contraction.

Bend your knees slightly if keeping your legs straight is difficult. Do not chase your toes; pause for 1 second at the highest point.