Scissors

The "Scissors" exercise is a fantastic move that targets your abdominal muscles, specifically the rectus abdominis (six-pack muscles) and obliques. It is a dynamic exercise that engages your entire core, helping to build strength, stability, and definition. To perform the Scissors, lie on your back with your legs extended vertically towards the ceiling. Keep your arms by your sides, palms facing down, and engage your core by drawing your belly button towards your spine. Slowly lower one leg towards the floor, keeping it straight, while the other leg remains lifted. Pause for a moment when your leg is a few inches from the floor, then raise it back up while simultaneously lowering the other leg. Continue alternating the movement of your legs, resembling the action of a pair of scissors. As you perform the Scissors, it is crucial to maintain proper form. Keep your lower back pressed firmly into the floor throughout the exercise to prevent any unnecessary strain and promote spinal stability. Focus on controlling your movements and engaging your core muscles, rather than relying on momentum. To challenge yourself further, you can increase the speed of your alternating leg movements or introduce small pulses at the top of each repetition. Incorporating the Scissors exercise into your routine can help improve core strength, increase flexibility in the hip flexors, and enhance overall abdominal control. Remember to start with a few sets of 10 to 12 repetitions, gradually increasing the difficulty and volume as your core strength improves. Always listen to your body and adjust the exercise intensity to suit your fitness level.

Instructions

• Start by lying flat on your back on an exercise mat or the floor.
• Extend your arms straight out to the sides, with your palms facing down.
• Raise your legs off the ground, keeping them straight, until they are at a 45-degree angle with the floor.
• Keeping your legs straight, cross your right leg over your left leg, and then lower it towards the floor.
• Simultaneously, raise your left leg up towards the ceiling.
• Without pausing, switch the position of your legs, crossing your left leg over your right leg and lowering it towards the floor.
• Continue alternating the scissor-like motion in a controlled manner.
• Maintain your abdominal engagement throughout the exercise to stabilize your core.
• Repeat for the desired number of repetitions or as instructed by your fitness trainer.

Tips & Tricks

• Engage your core muscles throughout the exercise.
• Start with controlled movements before increasing the speed.
• Maintain a steady breathing pattern to maximize endurance.
• Focus on proper form and technique to prevent injury.
• Gradually increase the intensity and duration of the exercise.
• Incorporate variations such as scissor jumps or scissor kicks to challenge your muscles.
• Combine scissors with other compound exercises to create a full-body workout.
• Stay hydrated and fuel your body with nutritious foods to support muscle recovery.
• Listen to your body and take rest days when needed to avoid overtraining.