What muscles does the Lying Scissor Crunch work?

The Lying Scissor Crunch primarily targets your obliques, upper abs, and lower abs while also engaging your upper legs for stability. Its twisting motion works the side abdominals, making it effective for core definition and rotational strength.

Do I need any equipment for the Lying Scissor Crunch?

No equipment is required for the Lying Scissor Crunch it’s a bodyweight exercise you can do anywhere. A yoga mat can make it more comfortable, and if you want to increase difficulty, you can hold a light dumbbell or medicine ball.

Is the Lying Scissor Crunch suitable for beginners?

Yes, beginners can perform this move by keeping their legs higher off the floor to reduce tension on the lower back. Start slowly, focus on proper form, and gradually increase range of motion as your core strength improves.

What are common form mistakes when doing Lying Scissor Crunches?

A common mistake is letting your lower back lift off the floor, which can cause discomfort or injury. Moving too quickly or pulling on your neck are also issues keep movements controlled and engage your core throughout.

How many sets and reps should I do for Lying Scissor Crunches?

For general fitness, aim for 2–3 sets of 12–20 reps per side. If focusing on endurance or core conditioning, you can use a timed approach such as 30–60 seconds per set while maintaining form.

What safety tips should I follow when doing Lying Scissor Crunches?

Always press your lower back into the mat to protect your spine and avoid jerking movements. If you feel strain in your neck or back, pause and adjust your form, and don’t hold your breath during repetitions.

Are there variations of the Lying Scissor Crunch for different fitness levels?

Yes, you can make it easier by bending your knees or keeping your legs higher off the floor. To make it harder, add ankle weights, hold a medicine ball, or slow the tempo to increase time under tension.

Lying Scissor Crunch

Target Muscles

Primary:

Secondary:

Equipment Required

Bodyweight

Exercise Type

Reps Only

How To Do

Lie on your back with hands behind your head, legs extended and hovering just above the floor. Lift one leg toward the ceiling while crunching your shoulders up and twisting to bring the opposite elbow toward the raised leg. Keep your movements controlled and alternate sides, ensuring your lower back stays pressed to the floor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Lie flat on your back on the floor or a mat with your hands placed behind your head for support.
Extend both legs straight out, keeping them slightly off the ground.
Lift one leg straight up towards the ceiling while keeping the other leg extended and hovering just above the ground.
Simultaneously, crunch your upper body by lifting your shoulders off the ground and twisting slightly to bring your opposite elbow towards the raised leg.
Lower your upper body and the raised leg back to the starting position while keeping the other leg hovering.
Alternate legs and repeat the movement, ensuring controlled and smooth transitions between each repetition.
Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions or time.

Explore more obliques exercises or bodyweight exercises in our exercise library.

Alternative Exercises

Air Bike

Obliques

Upper Abs

Bodyweight

Twist Crunch (Leg Up)

Obliques

Upper Abs

Bodyweight

Weighted Twisting Crunch (on bench)

Obliques

Upper Abs

Bench • Dumbbell

Weighted Russian Twist (Legs Up)

Obliques

Weight Plate

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does the Lying Scissor Crunch work?: The Lying Scissor Crunch primarily targets your obliques, upper abs, and lower abs while also engaging your upper legs for stability. Its twisting motion works the side abdominals, making it effective for core definition and rotational strength.
Do I need any equipment for the Lying Scissor Crunch?: No equipment is required for the Lying Scissor Crunch it’s a bodyweight exercise you can do anywhere. A yoga mat can make it more comfortable, and if you want to increase difficulty, you can hold a light dumbbell or medicine ball.
Is the Lying Scissor Crunch suitable for beginners?: Yes, beginners can perform this move by keeping their legs higher off the floor to reduce tension on the lower back. Start slowly, focus on proper form, and gradually increase range of motion as your core strength improves.
What are common form mistakes when doing Lying Scissor Crunches?: A common mistake is letting your lower back lift off the floor, which can cause discomfort or injury. Moving too quickly or pulling on your neck are also issues keep movements controlled and engage your core throughout.
How many sets and reps should I do for Lying Scissor Crunches?: For general fitness, aim for 2–3 sets of 12–20 reps per side. If focusing on endurance or core conditioning, you can use a timed approach such as 30–60 seconds per set while maintaining form.
What safety tips should I follow when doing Lying Scissor Crunches?: Always press your lower back into the mat to protect your spine and avoid jerking movements. If you feel strain in your neck or back, pause and adjust your form, and don’t hold your breath during repetitions.
Are there variations of the Lying Scissor Crunch for different fitness levels?: Yes, you can make it easier by bending your knees or keeping your legs higher off the floor. To make it harder, add ankle weights, hold a medicine ball, or slow the tempo to increase time under tension.