What should I do if my lower back hurts?

Place your hands underneath your glutes to tilt your pelvis and help keep your lower back flush against the floor. If pain persists, raise your legs slightly higher to reduce the leverage demand on your core.

How high should I lift my legs?

Keep your legs between six and twelve inches off the floor for maximum abdominal engagement. The lower your legs are without arching your back, the more difficult the exercise becomes.

Can I do this exercise every day?

While the core recovers quickly, it is best to treat it like any other muscle group by allowing 24 to 48 hours of rest between dedicated sessions. Consistency three to four times a week is usually sufficient for progress.

How to Do Scissors Exercise: Form, Benefits, and Tips

Master the scissors exercise with our guided breakdown to strengthen your lower abs and improve core stability using only your bodyweight.

How to Perform

Lie flat on your back on a mat with your arms at your sides and palms facing down for support.
Lift both legs off the floor about six to twelve inches while pressing your lower back firmly into the ground.
Open your legs outward to form a wide V-shape while keeping your knees straight and toes pointed.
Cross your right leg over your left leg in a controlled motion, then immediately reverse the movement to open them wide again.
Cross your left leg over your right leg to complete one repetition of the alternating pattern.
Maintain a consistent rhythmic pace while breathing steadily throughout the entire set.

Common Mistakes

Arching the lower back off the floor
Lifting the legs too high, which reduces tension on the abs
Using momentum and swinging the legs too quickly
Holding your breath during the movement

Muscles Worked

Primary movers

Stabilizers

Hip Flexors
Obliques
Quadriceps

Related Guides

3008 Abdominal Crunch — Core
Ab Roller — Core
Ab wheel — Core

Abs · Core