About this exercise
Alternating heel touches are a bodyweight core exercise that targets the obliques by crunching side to side, also engaging the upper abs.
Alternate heel touches
Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Alternate heel touches.
EasyObliques
How to Perform
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, slightly wider than your hips
- Keep your arms straight along your sides and lift your head and shoulders slightly off the floor
- Crunch to one side and touch your heel with your hand
- Return to the center under control
- Crunch to the opposite side and touch the other heel
- Continue alternating from side to side
Muscle Activation
Primary
Obliques
Secondary
Abs
Common Mistakes
Common mistakes content is coming soon.
About the Alternate heel touches
The Alternate heel touches is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.