Standing Elbow-Tap
Twist & tone your core with Standing Elbow-Taps! A simple, effective exercise for mobility and a light warm-up.
The Standing Elbow-Tap mainly works the core, with help from the back. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Standing Elbow-Tap Muscles Worked
Primary
Obliques; Abdominals (rectus abdominis)
Secondary
Boxer Muscle (serratus anterior); Lats (latissimus dorsi)
Standing Elbow-Tap Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Standing Elbow-Tap
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides.
Raise your arms so that your elbows are bent at a 90-degree angle, and your fists are positioned near your ears.
Without altering the bend in your elbows, bring one elbow across your body to try to touch the opposite knee. Twist your torso slightly to assist the motion but ensure that your hips remain stable and facing forward.
Return to the starting position with both elbows bent and fists near your ears.
Repeat the movement with the other elbow, attempting to touch it to the opposite knee.
Continue to alternate sides for the desired number of repetitions, ensuring that you maintain good form and a controlled motion throughout.
This exercise can be used as a light warm-up to engage the upper body and gently increase the heart rate or as a stretching movement to enhance mobility in the shoulders and upper back.
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Standing Elbow-Tap FAQs
What muscles does the Standing Elbow-Tap work?
The Standing Elbow-Tap mainly works the core, with help from the back. The main muscles are the obliques and rectus abdominis.
What equipment do you need for the Standing Elbow-Tap?
None. The Standing Elbow-Tap is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
What are some Standing Elbow-Tap variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Alternating Ankle Tap, Arm Apart Circular Toe-Tap, Corner Tap and Elbow-Tap to Outer Throw.
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