Exercise guide
Lying Obliques Scissors
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Lower legs
- Upper legs
- Waist
This exercise targets the obliques and lower abdominals through a lateral scissoring motion, improving core stability and lateral trunk strength. It emphasizes the internal and external obliques by requiring the core to stabilize the legs against gravity from a side-lying or semi-recumbent position.
Reviewed by the Crucible Fit team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Lie on your side with your legs fully extended and stacked on top of each other.
- Prop yourself up slightly on your bottom forearm or lie flat with the bottom arm extended for balance.
- Place your top hand behind your head or on the floor in front of you for stability.
- Lift both legs a few inches off the ground to engage the core.
How to do it
- Move your top leg forward while simultaneously moving your bottom leg backward in a scissor motion.
- Exhale as you switch the position of the legs, crossing them past each other with control.
- Maintain a steady, rhythmic tempo, focusing on keeping the torso still and the obliques contracted.
- Inhale as you transition between repetitions, ensuring your feet never touch the floor.
Form checklist
- Keep your legs straight and toes pointed throughout the set.
- Ensure your hips remain stacked and do not roll backward or forward.
- Maintain a tight brace in your midsection to protect the lower back.
- Keep your neck neutral and avoid pulling on your head with your hand.
Pro tips
- Focus on the crunch sensation in the side of your waist as the legs move to maximize oblique recruitment.
- Slow down the tempo to a 2-second count per scissor to eliminate momentum and increase time under tension.
Make it harder
- Wear ankle weights to increase the resistance on the hip flexors and obliques.
- Perform the movement with your torso in a side V-up position, balancing only on your hip for increased instability.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the lying obliques scissors work?
- The lying obliques scissors primarily targets the abs and obliques, and also works the glutes and hip flexors as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the lying obliques scissors?
- The lying obliques scissors requires no equipment — just your body weight.
- Is the lying obliques scissors good for beginners?
- The lying obliques scissors is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.