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Alternating Against-Wall Heel-Tap Sit

Build strength & endurance! This challenging wall sit variation targets your core and calf muscles. Feel the burn!

The Alternating Against-Wall Heel-Tap Sit is a compound exercise that mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the hamstrings and calves / shins. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.

Alternating Against-Wall Heel-Tap Sit demo video 2
Alternating Against-Wall Heel-Tap Sit demo video 3
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Alternating Against-Wall Heel-Tap Sit Muscles Worked

Primary

Quads (quadriceps femoris); Glutes (gluteus maximus)

Secondary

Hamstrings; Lower Calf (soleus)

How to do the Alternating Against-Wall Heel-Tap Sit

Alternate Heel Tap Sit Against Wall (Calves)

  1. Starting Position:

    • Find a flat wall and stand a few feet away from it, ensuring you have enough space to sit down.

    • Lean against the wall and gently slide down until your thighs are parallel to the ground, as if you are sitting on an invisible chair.

  2. Body Positioning:

    • Keep your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart.

    • Your back should be pressed against the wall, and your knees should be directly above your ankles.

    • Engage your core to maintain stability.

    • Keep your arms in a comfortable position, such as resting them on your thighs or clasped in front of your chest.

  3. Movement:

    • While holding the seated position, lift your right heel off the ground and tap it on the ground in front of you.

    • Return your right heel back to the starting position.

    • Next, lift your left heel off the ground and tap it on the ground in front of you.

    • Return your left heel back to the starting position.

    • Continue alternating heel taps in a controlled manner.

  4. Breathing:

    • Inhale as you lift your heel and tap.

    • Exhale as you return to the starting position.

  5. Repetitions:

    • Aim to perform 10-15 alternating heel taps on each leg, or as many as you can manage while maintaining good form.

  6. Ending the Exercise:

    • Once you finish the heel taps, gently push off the wall and stand up straight.

    • Take a moment to stretch your legs if needed.

Tips:

  • Keep your movements slow and controlled to maintain balance and avoid strain.

  • Adjust the height of your seat (squat) depending on your comfort level; the lower you go, the harder it will be.

  • Ensure your back remains flat against the wall throughout the exercise.

Alternating Against-Wall Heel-Tap Sit FAQs

What muscles does the Alternating Against-Wall Heel-Tap Sit work?

The Alternating Against-Wall Heel-Tap Sit mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the hamstrings and calves / shins. The main muscles are the quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus.

What equipment do you need for the Alternating Against-Wall Heel-Tap Sit?

None. The Alternating Against-Wall Heel-Tap Sit is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.

Is the Alternating Against-Wall Heel-Tap Sit a compound exercise?

Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.

What workout day should the Alternating Against-Wall Heel-Tap Sit go on?

It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Alternating Against-Wall Heel-Tap Sit variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Against-Wall 90-Degree Heel-Tap, Alternating Against-Wall Ankle Tap Under Sit, Alternating Against-Wall Knee Cross-Over Sit and Alternating Against-Wall Leg Sit Kick.

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