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Mini Loop Band Scissor Kick

Beginner
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A supine resistance band exercise involving alternating leg raises and crosses against band tension to target the abs and hip flexors for core stability, endurance, and hypertrophy.

About Exercise

Equipment

Loop Bands

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs, Hip Flexors

Secondary Muscles

Adductors, Abductors

Accessory Muscles

Lower Back, Glutes

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Endurance
Stability
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Abs

10/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Hip Flexors

8/10

Iliopsoas

Obliques

6/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Adductors

4/10

Adductor Longus

Abductors

4/10

Glute Medius

Lower Back

2/10

Erector Spinae

Glutes

2/10

Glute Max

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-30 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds • Short rests for endurance focus

How to Perform

Lie supine on a mat with a mini loop band around your ankles. Extend arms by sides with palms down for support.

  1. Engage core and press lower back into mat.
  2. Lift both legs 6-12 inches off ground, feet flexed.
  3. Lower one leg toward floor while raising the other higher, resisting band pull.
  4. Cross legs in scissor motion without heels touching ground.
  5. Alternate leg positions in controlled switch.
  6. Maintain core tightness and neutral neck throughout.
  7. Repeat for reps, breathing steadily.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Press back flat
  • Core tight always
  • Legs straight and slow
  • Resist band outward
  • No heel touch
  • Belly button to spine

Breathing

Inhale as you lower a leg; exhale as you lift and switch.

Tempo

2-0-2

Range of Motion

Lift legs to 45-degree angle; lower one to 2 inches from floor without arching back; keep legs straight.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute lower back pain
  • Stop if back arches uncontrollably
  • Use hands under glutes for support if needed
  • Choose appropriate band resistance
  • Keep movements controlled to prevent strain
  • Consult professional for hip issues

Spotting

No spotting required; perform solo with focus on form.

Common Mistakes

  • Arching lower back
  • Rushing the motion
  • Letting heels touch ground
  • Knees bending excessively
  • Band slipping off ankles
  • Neck straining upward

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury
  • Hip flexor strain
  • Recent abdominal surgery

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip flexion range
  • Shoulder stability for arm position

Build Up First

  • Basic core engagement awareness
  • Familiarity with supine positions

Also known as

Banded Scissor Kicks, Loop Band Scissors, Resistance Band Leg Scissors

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