Scissor Kick

Execution

1. Press your lower back into the floor by bracing the lower abs before lifting the legs.
2. Lift both legs off the floor, knees slightly soft, hovering about a hand's width up.
3. Exhale and raise one leg higher while lowering the other, in a scissoring motion.
4. Keep alternating continuously, never letting either leg touch the floor.
5. Keep the lower back pressed to the floor at all times; if it starts to arch, raise the legs higher to reduce the load.

Quick cues

• Low back pressed to the floor.
• Legs don't touch the floor mid-set.
• Arms extended and still.
• Back arching? Raise the legs higher.

Common faults

• Fault: The lower back arching up off the floor

  Fix: Brace the lower abs harder and raise the legs higher to take the load off the back.

• Fault: Scissoring the legs too fast, losing control

  Fix: Slow down and keep the motion smooth and controlled on both legs.

• Fault: Letting the legs rest on the floor between reps

  Fix: Keep both legs hovering off the floor for the whole set.

• Fault: Locking the knees straight, straining the back of the thighs

  Fix: Keep a slight soft bend in the knees throughout.