Core · Bodyweight
Lying Scissors Cross
How to do the lying scissors cross, the muscles it works, and the mistakes to avoid. Pulled straight from the Kovo app's exercise library.
- Equipment
- Bodyweight
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Logged as
- Reps
- Movement
- Flexion
- Mechanic
- Isolation
How to do it
Lie on your back with your legs extended and lifted a few inches off the floor and your lower back pressed down. Cross one leg over the other, then switch in a continuous scissoring motion, keeping the legs nearly straight. Brace your core the whole time to keep the lower back flat.
- 1Lower abs and hip flexors holding the legs up as they cross
- 2Inner thighs engaging each time the legs scissor past each other
- 3Lower back staying pinned to the floor throughout
Common mistakes
- Don't let the lower back arch off the floor
- Avoid raising the legs too high; keep the tension on the core
- Don't hold your breath; breathe steadily as you scissor
Muscles worked
The lying scissors cross mainly works the lower abs and hip flexors, with the upper abs, obliques, and adductors assisting.
- Lower AbsPrimary
- Hip FlexorsPrimary
- Upper AbsSupport
- ObliquesSupport
- AdductorsSupport
- QuadsMinor
- HamstringsMinor
Kovo programs the lying scissors cross for you and tracks it every session.
We build your whole program, drop the right lifts into each workout, and adjust your weights as you get stronger. Free on iOS and Android.
More abs & core exercises
- How to do the ab wheel rollout
- How to do the ankle tap plank
- How to do the ankle taps
- How to do the resistance band dead bugs
- How to do the resistance band pallof press
- How to do the rollout
Last reviewed June 2026.