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Exercise guide

Scissor Kick

How to do the Scissor Kick with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.

IsolationBody OnlyBeginnerPull
Primary muscles

Abs

Secondary

,

Equipment

Body Only

Step by step

How to do the Scissor Kick

  1. 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. 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. 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. 4

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

  5. 5

    Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

In Ascend

Log it, see it on your body.

Every Scissor Kick set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your abs volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.

Train with a goal

Where the Scissor Kick fits

The Scissor Kick shows up in training built around a specific goal. See how it fits:

Related

More abs exercises

FAQ

Scissor Kick: common questions

What muscles does the Scissor Kick work?

The Scissor Kick primarily works the Abs.

Is the Scissor Kick suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Scissor Kick is a beginner-level exercise, so it's a solid choice if you're new to training. Start light and focus on the movement pattern before adding load.

What equipment do I need for the Scissor Kick?

None. The Scissor Kick is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it without any equipment.

Is the Scissor Kick a compound or isolation exercise?

The Scissor Kick is an isolation exercise, it targets the abs through a single joint, which makes it useful for focused, targeted work.

How do I do the Scissor Kick with correct form?

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. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.

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