How to do the Scissor Kick
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Switch movements by raising your right leg up and lowering your left leg. Remember to breathe while performing this exercise.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Muscles worked
| Role | Muscles |
|---|---|
| Primary | abs |
| Equipment | no equipment |
| Difficulty | beginner |
| Type | isolation |
Train the same muscles a different way
6 alternatives for the same abs, with and without kit.
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Common questions
What muscles does the Scissor Kick work?
The Scissor Kick primarily works the abs. Toe Touchers, Ab Crunch Machine, and Alternate Heel Touchers train the same muscle, across 9 equipment types.
What equipment do you need for the Scissor Kick?
None — the Scissor Kick is bodyweight, so it works at home, in a hotel room or outdoors. Toe Touchers and Ab Crunch Machine also need nothing.
Is the Scissor Kick suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Scissor Kick is rated beginner. Hanging Pike, Bent Press, and Barbell Ab Rollout - On Knees are the progressions from here.
Where should the Scissor Kick go in a workout?
Late — the Scissor Kick is isolation work, so it follows your compounds.
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