Standing Toe Touches

A beginner stretching exercise for the hamstrings, done with just your bodyweight.

Standing Toe Touches: finishing position

Main muscles: Hamstrings
Also works: Calves
Equipment: Bodyweight
Level: Beginner
Movement: Static

How to do the Standing Toe Touches

Stand with some space in front and behind you.
Bend at the waist, keeping your legs straight, until you can relax and let your upper body hang down in front of you. Let your arms and hands hang down naturally. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds.

Sets and reps

Mobility	2–3 holds of 20–40 seconds each side

Log every set in MyoStats and it works out your estimated one-rep max and suggests the next weight or rep target, so you keep progressing without guessing.

Alternatives to the Standing Toe Touches

Questions

What muscles does the Standing Toe Touches work?

Mainly the hamstrings, with the calves helping.

Is the Standing Toe Touches good for beginners?

Yes. It's rated a beginner exercise: start light and learn the movement before adding weight.

What can I do instead of the Standing Toe Touches?

Good alternatives that train the hamstrings: 90/90 Hamstring, Front Leg Raises, Runner's Stretch or Seated Floor Hamstring Stretch.

How many sets and reps of the Standing Toe Touches should I do?

Mobility: 2–3 holds of 20–40 seconds each side.

Exercise steps and photos: free-exercise-db (public domain).