Scissor Kick

A beginner stretch for the abs, with no equipment.

Movement guide

Scissor Kick

Demand · source-assignedEasy (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredBodyweight

Muscle focusAbs

Gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.

Watch it bigger, and flip through similar moves, in the studio.Open in the studio

Make it easier or harder

Start where you can move well, then step up.

Easier option

This is already one of the gentlest options for these muscles.

This move

Scissor Kick demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoScissor KickBeginner · No equipment

Beginner grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Boat pose (Navasana) demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBoat pose (Navasana)Intermediate · No equipment

Similar move, intermediate grade.

Imported reference · editorial review pending. Clinical review is pending.

This entry comes from an external exercise database. Its instructions and difficulty have not completed our editorial or qualified clinical review.

How to move

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.

Practice and cautions

No dose has been assigned. Any timing or repetition examples in the imported instructions are source examples, not an individualized recommendation.

Imported community instructions and difficulty labels have not been independently reviewed for technique or individual suitability. Equipment labels may include additions inferred from the setup text; check the instructions for the exact support or alternatives. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness or tingling; seek qualified guidance for symptoms, unfamiliar equipment or advanced skills.

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Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

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What it works

Muscles

Main: Abs.

Equipment

None: body weight and floor space.

Level

Beginner (source-assigned, not yet reviewed). See the easier and harder options above.

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Scissor Kick work?

Mainly the abs.

What equipment do I need for the Scissor Kick?

No equipment: your body weight and a little floor space.

Is the Scissor Kick good for beginners?

It is graded beginner, so it suits most people starting out. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. When it feels easy, try the Boat pose (Navasana).

How do I make the Scissor Kick harder?

Progress to the Boat pose (Navasana), or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.