Ab exercises

Scissor Kick

Also known as: Ciseaux · Ψαλίδι ποδιών · flutter scissors

Primary
Abs
Equipment
Bodyweight
Level
Beginner
Type
Isolation
Force
Pull
Suggested rest
30 s

How to do the Scissor Kick

  1. To begin, lie down with your back pressed against the floor or on an exercise mat (optional). Your arms should be fully extended to the sides with your palms facing down. Note: The arms should be stationary the entire time.

  2. With a slight bend at the knees, lift your legs up so that your heels are about 6 inches off the ground. This is the starting position.

  3. Now lift your left leg up to about a 45 degree angle while your right leg is lowered until the heel is about 2-3 inches from the ground.

  4. Switch movements by raising your right leg up and lowering your left leg. Remember to breathe while performing this exercise.

  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth2–410–1530 s
Muscular endurance2–315–2545 s

When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add a rep or a harder variation next session.

Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.

Muscles worked

Primary

Abs

The abs flex your spine and stop it from arching. Mix crunching moves (crunches, leg raises) with anti-extension work (planks, rollouts).

Train smarter

Bodyweight ab exercises