There are several different types of toe touch exercises, and proper stretching is an essential part of doing them correctly and safely. You should always make sure that your stretches are done using proper form so as not to pull or tear muscles, or cause any other injuries.
Seated Toe Touches
This type of toe touch is also called the "sit and reach test" and is often used to test flexibility of the lower back and hamstrings, according to FitnessVenues.com. Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you, then bend forward at the hips and reach forward to touch your toes.
Standing Toe Touches
Stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart; bend at the waist and reach your hands toward your toes. Make sure not to lock your knees during the stretch.
Cross-Body Toe Touches
After warming up your muscles, stand with your legs as far apart as comfortably possible, and your arms spread wide, according to Sport-Fitness-Advisor.com. Bend forward and twist at the waist so that you bring one arm across your body to touch your toes; raise the opposite arm in the air for balance. Straighten back up so that you're in your starting position, and then repeat, reaching out to the other foot. You should feel the stretch in you lower back and hamstrings, according to Sport-Fitness-Advisor.com.
Cheerleading Toe Touches
A cheerleading toe touch is done in the air and takes some practice before it can be done well. To do the stunt properly, jump into the air and spread your legs into a wide "V" shape; at the same time, bend your body at the waist and bring your feet up toward your hands so that it looks as if you're touching your toes at the peak of your jump. If done properly, your body will actually end up in a sitting position in the air, according to CheerleadingInfoCenter.com. You should also make sure that you bring your legs up to your hands and that you're reaching for your heels, not your toes, according to CheerleadingInfoCenter.com.
