Rachael Finch, Australian personal trainer and creator of Body by Finch, told us that scissor kicks are one of her favourite moves because "this Pilates-based exercise primarily works the hip flexors and the transverse abdominis, the deepest muscle in the stomach, which can be often overlooked. The hip flexors work to lift and hold your legs slightly off the floor."
- Lie flat on your back. Extend your arms so they're against the sides of your body with your palms pressing into the floor, or bend your elbows, place your palms under the back of your head, and bend your knees and draw them into your ribs. (This will make it easier to pull your navel in toward your spine and actively press your lower back flat on the ground.)
- Lift both legs straight up toward the ceiling, continuing to engage your abs and pressing your lower back into the ground.
- Keeping your core strong, slowly lower your right leg down toward the ground until it is a few inches above it. Then slowly scissor your legs, lifting your right leg back up as you lower your left leg down toward the ground.
- Rachael says to repeat this for 30 to 45 seconds.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography