How to do the Standing Toe Touch Kick
- Stand tall, feet hip-width apart, arms at your sides.
- Kick one straight leg up and reach the opposite hand to that foot.
- Lower under control, then switch sides.
Full technique — 6 steps
- Stand tall with feet about hip width apart and arms at your sides.
- Kick one straight leg up in front of you as high as you can control.
- At the same time, reach the opposite hand across your body toward that foot.
- Let your torso turn slightly toward the raised leg while the standing foot stays flat.
- Lower the leg and arm under control back to the start.
- Repeat on the other side, alternating sides each rep.
Common mistakes
- Bending the kicking knee
- Reaching with the same-side hand
- Rounding the back to reach the foot
- Leaning back to lift higher
- Lifting the standing heel
Form cues
- Keep knees straight
- Hand to opposite foot
- Stay tall through torso
- Keep standing foot planted
- Build height gradually
Where to start and where to go next
Same muscles, same movement. Too hard for now — step down; once it gets easy — step up.
- This exercise Standing Toe Touch Kick
- Harder Plank to Lunge with Rotation
Quick answers
What muscles does the Standing Toe Touch Kick work?
Primary: Abs 7/10, Obliques 6/10. Also works: Lower back 3/10.
When should I do the Standing Toe Touch Kick in a workout?
Warm-up. Done at the start to get the body ready. ≈ 2 min with rest.
How many sets and reps of the Standing Toe Touch Kick?
Strength: 1–2 sets of 10–12 reps, rest 20 s, 5–6 reps in reserve. Muscle growth: 1–2 sets of 10–12 reps, rest 20 s, 5–6 reps in reserve. Endurance: 2–3 sets of 16–20 reps, rest 30 s, 5 reps in reserve.
What is a harder version of the Standing Toe Touch Kick?
Plank to Lunge with Rotation (35% of bodyweight).
