How to Do Scissors Abs

by POPSUGAR Fitness 15

If you're having lower back pain or are looking for a way to strengthen your abs in a relaxing way, try this exercise. It'll also strengthen your quads and loosen tight hips and hamstrings.

• Lie flat on your back. You can extend your arms so they're against the sides of your body with your palms pressing into the floor, or you can bend your elbows and place your palms under the back of your head.

• Now bend your knees and draw them into your ribs. This will make it easier to pull your navel in towards your spine and actively press your lower back flat on the ground.
• Now lift both legs straight up towards the ceiling, continuing to engage your abs and press your lower back into the ground.
• Keeping your core strong, slowly lower your right leg down towards the ground, until it is a few inches above. Then scissor your legs, so you lift your right leg back up as you lower your left leg down towards the ground.
• Keep the movements slow and steady, moving with control, and keeping your core engaged the entire time, and your lower back pressing into the floor.
• You may not feel this until you do it for a while, so repeat this move for a total of 20 to 30 times on each leg (or more if you're still not feeling it).

Fit's Tip: If you are having trouble keeping your low spine on the floor, try slipping your hand (palms down) underneath your pelvis.

Photos: Megan Wolfe Photography at J+K Fitness Studio