Exercise Tutorial: Frankenstein Walk (Walking Toe Touch)
Table of Contents
What Is a Frankenstein Walk
The Frankenstein Walk, (or walking toe touch) is a type of dynamic movement that will stretch the Hamstrings and Calves. This is a simple movement to learn, and is great to perform as a warm-up before activity, or as an exercise option!
How to Do the Frankenstein Walk Tutorial (Walking Toe Touch)
Begin in zombie posture. Aim to extend one leg straight out in front of you as high as you can or to where your flexibility allows. Tap your opposite hand to the top of the foot and repeat on the other side. Keep your chest up and maintain a tall posture throughout the drill. It’s also known as the “Walking Toe Touch”.
Step by Step Performing a Frankenstein Walk (Walking Toe Touch)
Have you arms straight out in front of you
Brace your abs to keep upright
Raise one leg as high as you can to touch the opposite hand
Walk forward and repeat these motions
Frankenstein Walk Form
Having the correct form is important in any exercise. While the Frankenstein walk is simple to perform, it is easy to forget about form over time which can reduce the effectiveness of the movement. When performing the Frankenstein walk be sure to,
Keep the torso in an upright position
Keep the arm straight out in front of the body when touching the toe
Maintain a straight leg as you kick your leg forwards (no bending at the knee)
Most importantly, when performing the Frankenstein walk, take your time! Rushing the movement can create mistakes in your form. So, take your time and perform the exercise properly- this will allow you to achieve the greatest stretch!
Benefits of Frankenstein Walk (Walking Toe Touch)
It’s a great warmup before running, jogging, walking, sports with jumping or any of the above
Increase muscle endurance
Great high interval exercise option
Good for stretching the hamstrings and calves
Frankenstein Walk Alternatives
If you can’t perform the Frankenstein walk, there are some other alternatives that you can try! The Frankenstein walk targets the Hamstring and Calves muscle group. Any stretch that focuses on these muscle groups is a great alternative. For instance, the modified hurdler stretch, pigeon stretch or calf stretch.
A great dynamic alternative is called sweeps of picking daisies. Step one foot in front of the other so that the heel is in contact with the ground and the toe is pointed towards the sky. This leg will be straight so there is no bend in the knee. Bend at the torso to place both hands behind the ankle, and then sweep them forwards to come in front of the toes. Now return to the starting position, take a step forwards and perform the same movement on the remaining leg. Keep walking forwards as you alternative between legs.
Muscles Targeted During Frankenstein Walk (Walking Toe Touch)
Shoulders
Why Would You Do Frankenstein Walk (Walking Toe Touch)
The Frankenstein walk can be a great warm-up drill before attempting running, jogging, walking, leg exercises, and plyometrics. It can also be classified as an exercise on its own as it increases muscular endurance and strength. It’s a great way to stretch your hamstrings, and activate the hip flexors and quadricep muscles.
Read about our static stretch Toe Touch.
Frankenstein Walk Variations
There are many Frankenstein walk variations that you can try! Keep reading below to learn how to perform these variations.
Flutter Kick
Scissors
Flutter Kick
Begin in the same starting position as the leg raise lying down flat on your back. Raise one leg about 3-4 feet in the air. As you are lowering this leg, raise the remaining leg 3-4 feet in the air. Continue to alternate raising each leg into the air without making contact with the ground. This movement will resemble the popular flutter kick that is used in swimming. Try this for 3 sets of 12-15 reps on each leg, or try to perform this movement for at least one minute.
Scissors
Scissors are very similar to the flutter kick, however, you are moving your legs horizontally instead of vertically. Begin in the starting position lying down flat on your back with your feet extended. Brace the core and lift the torso slightly off the ground. You will maintain this position throughout the exercise. Next, elevate both legs about 1 foot off the ground and begin to move them horizontally across one another, just like a pair of scissors opening and closing. Repeat this movement for 3 sets of 12-15 reps on each leg, or try to perform this movement for at least one minute.
