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Scissor Kicks

Beginner
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A bodyweight core exercise performed lying on your back, alternating leg movements in a scissoring motion to target the lower abs and hip flexors for endurance and stability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Body Weight

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs, Hip Flexors

Secondary Muscles

Obliques, Quads

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Endurance
Stability
Conditioning

Training Style

Calisthenics
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Abs

9/10

Rectus Abdominis

Hip Flexors

8/10

Iliopsoas

Obliques

5/10

External Obliques

Quads

4/10

Rectus Femoris

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-30 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Lie on your back on the floor with arms at your sides, palms down. Lift both legs a few inches off the ground while pressing your lower back into the floor.

  1. Engage your core to stabilize your torso.
  2. Extend one leg forward toward the ceiling while lowering the other leg toward the floor.
  3. Switch leg positions in a fluid scissoring motion without letting either leg touch the ground.
  4. Maintain a steady rhythm alternating between legs.
  5. Keep your lower back pressed down throughout the movements.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Press low back down
  • Move legs smoothly
  • Breathe steadily
  • Eyes on ceiling
  • Core tight always

Breathing

Inhale as you prepare and switch legs; exhale to engage your core and maintain position.

Tempo

2-0-2

Range of Motion

Legs remain 6-12 inches off the ground at the lowest point, with full hip and knee extension on the raised leg.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if you have acute lower back pain
  • Stop if you feel strain in the neck or back
  • Use hands under glutes for support if needed

Spotting

No spotting required; perform in a clear space.

Common Mistakes

  • Arching the lower back
  • Letting legs touch the ground
  • Jerky movements
  • Holding breath
  • Shrugging shoulders

When to Avoid

  • Lower back injury
  • Hip flexor strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip mobility for leg lift

Build Up First

  • Basic core awareness

Also known as

Leg Scissors, Abdominal Scissors, Flutter Kicks

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