Lying Scissor Crunch
Tone your core and sculpt those abs with Lying Scissor Crunches! This exercise targets your entire core for maximum results.
The Lying Scissor Crunch mainly works the core, with help from the glutes & hips. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Optional Equipment
Lying Scissor Crunch Muscles Worked
Primary
Abdominals (rectus abdominis); Obliques
Secondary
Hip Flexor (iliopsoas); Long Thigh (sartorius)
Lying Scissor Crunch Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Lying Scissor Crunch
Starting Position: Begin by lying flat on your back on a mat with your arms behind your head. Your legs should be lifted and extended straight up above your hips.
Engage Core: Engage your core muscles to press your lower back into the mat and lift your shoulder blades slightly off the floor.
Movement Initiation: Begin the exercise by lowering one leg towards the floor while the other leg remains vertical. Keep both legs straight and avoid touching the floor with the lowered leg.
Alternating Motion: As you lower one leg, lift your torso by engaging your abdominals and bringing your opposite elbow towards the knee of the raised leg in a twisting crunch motion.
Return Position: Return to the starting position with both legs up and shoulder blades off the floor, then repeat the movement with the opposite leg and elbow, mimicking a scissor-like motion with your legs while incorporating the crunch with an alternating elbow-to-knee action.
Continue Exercise: Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions, maintaining control and keeping the core engaged throughout the movement. Remember to breathe consistently, exhaling as you perform the crunch motion and inhaling as you return to the starting position.
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Lying Scissor Crunch FAQs
What muscles does the Lying Scissor Crunch work?
The Lying Scissor Crunch mainly works the core, with help from the glutes & hips. The main muscles are the rectus abdominis and obliques.
What equipment do you need for the Lying Scissor Crunch?
None. The Lying Scissor Crunch is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
What are some Lying Scissor Crunch variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Alternating Froggy Crunch, Alternating Leg-Cross Crunch, Alternating Oblique Crunch and Bent-Knee Crunch Abduction with Arm Through.
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