How to Do Elbow Touches

4 mins read

Last Updated on July 27, 2023

Elbow touches are a simple yet effective exercise that can be incorporated into your fitness routine. To perform elbow touches, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms extended out to the sides. Then, bend one arm at the elbow and bring your hand up towards your opposite shoulder, aiming to touch your elbow to your shoulder. Repeat on the other side. Elbow touches help to improve shoulder mobility and flexibility, as well as strengthen the muscles in your arms and upper back. Remember to start with a light warm-up and consult a fitness professional if you have any concerns or injuries.

Elbow touches are a popular exercise that can be beneficial for improving fitness levels. They target the core muscles and require stability and strength to perform correctly. In this article, we will discuss the steps to properly execute elbow touches, as well as provide tips for beginners and common mistakes to avoid. Before attempting elbow touches, it is important to warm up your body to prevent injury. Finding a comfortable and stable position is crucial for maintaining proper form throughout the exercise. By engaging your core muscles and gradually increasing your capabilities, you can reap the benefits of incorporating elbow touches into your fitness routine.

Step 1: Warm up your body before attempting elbow touches.

  • Perform light cardio exercises such as jogging or jumping jacks to increase blood flow and warm up your muscles.
  • Do dynamic stretches to loosen up your joints and improve flexibility.
  • Focus on warming up your upper body, especially your shoulders, arms, and core.

Step 2: Find a comfortable and stable position to perform elbow touches.

  • Choose a flat surface, such as a mat or the ground, to perform the exercise.
  • Position yourself in a plank position, with your hands directly under your shoulders and your feet hip-width apart.
  • Engage your core muscles to maintain stability throughout the exercise.

Step 3: Engage your core muscles and maintain proper form throughout the exercise.

  • Keep your body in a straight line from your head to your heels.
  • Contract your abdominal muscles to stabilize your spine.
  • Avoid sagging or arching your back during the exercise.

Step 4: Slowly lower your body towards the ground, touching your elbows to the surface.

  • Bend your elbows and lower your body in a controlled manner.
  • Keep your elbows close to your sides as you lower yourself down.
  • Touch your elbows to the surface, such as the mat or the ground.

Step 5: Push back up to the starting position using your arm and core strength.

  • Extend your elbows and push through your palms to lift your body back up.
  • Engage your arm and core muscles to generate the upward movement.
  • Keep your body in a straight line as you push back up.

Step 6: Repeat the elbow touches for a desired number of repetitions.

  • Start with a manageable number of repetitions, such as 5-10.
  • Gradually increase the number of repetitions as you get stronger and more comfortable with the exercise.
  • Take breaks between sets if needed, but aim to complete all the repetitions.
Step 2: Find a comfortable and stable position to perform elbow touches.

Once you have warmed up your body, it is important to find a comfortable and stable position to perform elbow touches. This will ensure that you can maintain proper form and avoid any unnecessary strain or injury.

Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. This will provide a solid base of support for your body.

Next, extend your arms out in front of you, keeping them parallel to the ground. Your elbows should be bent at a 90-degree angle, with your forearms pointing straight ahead.

Make sure to engage your core muscles and keep your back straight throughout the exercise. This will help to stabilize your body and prevent any excessive movement or swaying.

Take a moment to find your balance and ensure that you feel comfortable in this position. If needed, you can adjust your stance slightly to find the most stable and comfortable position for you.

Remember, finding a comfortable and stable position is crucial for performing elbow touches effectively and safely. Take the time to find the right position for you before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Engage your core muscles and maintain proper form throughout the exercise

When performing elbow touches, it is crucial to engage your core muscles and maintain proper form. This will not only ensure that you are getting the most out of the exercise, but it will also help prevent injuries.

To engage your core muscles, imagine pulling your belly button towards your spine. This will activate your deep abdominal muscles and provide stability to your body. It is important to maintain this engagement throughout the entire exercise.

In addition to engaging your core, it is important to maintain proper form. Keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. Avoid arching your back or hunching your shoulders, as this can put unnecessary strain on your spine.

As you lower your body towards the ground, make sure to keep your elbows close to your sides. This will help target your triceps and prevent any unnecessary strain on your shoulders.

By engaging your core muscles and maintaining proper form, you will not only maximize the benefits of elbow touches, but you will also reduce the risk of injury. Remember to listen to your body and take breaks if needed. With practice and consistency, you will gradually increase your elbow touch capabilities and improve your overall fitness.

Step 4: Slowly lower your body towards the ground, touching your elbows to the surface.

  • Begin by positioning yourself in a plank position, with your hands directly under your shoulders and your body in a straight line.
  • Engage your core muscles and keep your back flat throughout the movement.
  • Slowly lower your body towards the ground by bending your elbows, keeping them close to your sides.
  • Continue to lower yourself until your elbows touch the surface, such as a mat or the floor.
  • Make sure to maintain control and avoid dropping your body too quickly.
  • Keep your core muscles engaged to support your body as you lower down.
  • Focus on using your arm and core strength to control the movement.

Performing elbow touches can be challenging, especially for beginners. It requires strength and stability in the upper body and core. By following these steps and practicing proper form, you can gradually improve your elbow touch capabilities and reap the benefits of this exercise.

Step 5: Push back up to the starting position using your arm and core strength.

Once you have successfully lowered your body and touched your elbows to the surface, it is time to push back up to the starting position. This step requires the use of your arm and core strength.

  • Place your hands firmly on the ground, shoulder-width apart.
  • Engage your core muscles and keep your body in a straight line.
  • Slowly begin to straighten your arms, pushing your body away from the ground.
  • Focus on using your arm and core strength to lift yourself back up.
  • Avoid using momentum or relying solely on your legs to push yourself up.
  • Keep your movements controlled and steady.

Remember to maintain proper form throughout this step. Keep your core engaged and your body in a straight line. Avoid arching your back or letting your hips sag.

Repeat this motion for the desired number of repetitions. As you become more comfortable and stronger, you can gradually increase the number of elbow touches you perform.

Step 6: Repeat the elbow touches for a desired number of repetitions.

Once you have successfully performed the elbow touches, it is important to repeat the exercise for a desired number of repetitions. This will help to further strengthen your core muscles and improve your overall fitness level.

When determining the number of repetitions, it is important to consider your current fitness level and goals. If you are a beginner, start with a lower number of repetitions, such as 5-10, and gradually increase as you become more comfortable and stronger.

For more advanced individuals, you can aim for a higher number of repetitions, such as 15-20, to challenge yourself and continue progressing.

Remember to listen to your body and take breaks as needed. It is better to perform fewer repetitions with proper form than to push yourself too hard and risk injury.

By incorporating regular repetitions of elbow touches into your fitness routine, you will not only improve your core strength but also enhance your overall fitness and endurance.

Tips for beginners to gradually increase their elbow touch capabilities

If you are new to elbow touches, it is important to start slowly and gradually build up your strength and flexibility. Here are some tips to help you improve your elbow touch capabilities:

1. Start with modified elbow touches

If you find it difficult to perform full elbow touches, you can start with modified versions. Instead of lowering your body all the way to the ground, you can begin by touching your elbows to a raised surface, such as a bench or step. This will help you build strength and confidence before attempting the full exercise.

2. Focus on proper form

Proper form is crucial when performing elbow touches. Make sure to engage your core muscles and keep your body in a straight line from head to toe. Avoid sagging or arching your back, as this can put unnecessary strain on your spine. By maintaining proper form, you will not only prevent injuries but also maximize the effectiveness of the exercise.

3. Gradually increase repetitions

As you become more comfortable with elbow touches, you can gradually increase the number of repetitions. Start with a small number, such as 5 or 10, and aim to add one or two more repetitions each week. This progressive overload will help you build strength and endurance over time.

By following these tips, you can safely and effectively improve your elbow touch capabilities. Remember to listen to your body and take breaks when needed. With consistency and patience, you will be able to master this challenging exercise and reap its benefits for your fitness journey.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Performing Elbow Touches

Performing elbow touches can be a challenging exercise that requires proper form and technique. To ensure that you get the most out of this exercise and avoid any potential injuries, it is important to be aware of common mistakes that people often make. By avoiding these mistakes, you can maximize the effectiveness of your workout and achieve better results.

Mistake 1: Poor Core Engagement

One of the most common mistakes when performing elbow touches is failing to engage the core muscles properly. Your core muscles play a crucial role in stabilizing your body and maintaining proper form throughout the exercise. To avoid this mistake, focus on contracting your abdominal muscles and keeping your core tight throughout the movement.

Mistake 2: Incorrect Elbow Placement

Another mistake to avoid is placing your elbows in the wrong position. Your elbows should be directly under your shoulders, forming a 90-degree angle. Placing your elbows too far forward or backward can put unnecessary strain on your shoulders and wrists. Make sure to align your elbows properly to maintain proper form and prevent any discomfort or injury.

By being mindful of these common mistakes and focusing on proper form and technique, you can perform elbow touches safely and effectively. Remember to start with a proper warm-up, gradually increase your capabilities, and always listen to your body to avoid overexertion or injury.

The Importance of Proper Form and Progression in Incorporating Elbow Touches into Your Fitness Routine

Elbow touches are a highly beneficial exercise for improving fitness and strength. However, it is crucial to understand the significance of maintaining proper form and progression when incorporating this exercise into your routine.

Proper form is essential to ensure that you are engaging the correct muscles and minimizing the risk of injury. It is important to warm up your body before attempting elbow touches and find a comfortable and stable position to perform the exercise. Engaging your core muscles and maintaining proper form throughout the exercise is crucial for maximizing the benefits and avoiding strain on other parts of your body.

Progression is key to gradually increase your elbow touch capabilities. Beginners should start with a manageable number of repetitions and gradually increase the intensity and difficulty over time. This allows your body to adapt and build strength without overwhelming it.

Incorporating elbow touches into your fitness routine can lead to improved core strength, upper body stability, and overall fitness. By focusing on proper form and progression, you can reap the full benefits of this exercise while minimizing the risk of injury. So, start incorporating elbow touches into your routine and enjoy the positive impact it can have on your fitness journey.Learn how to do elbow touches for fitness with proper form and progression. Improve your core strength and stability.

About The Author

Alison Sowle is the typical tv guru. With a social media evangelist background, she knows how to get her message out there. However, she's also an introvert at heart and loves nothing more than writing for hours on end. She's a passionate creator who takes great joy in learning about new cultures - especially when it comes to beer!