All Exercises

Standing Scissors

Perform standing scissors to boost cardio fitness and leg power. This dynamic plyometric exercise targets your lower body for improved agility and

Intermediate
Compound
Push
1 min per set30s rest

Description

A standing scissors exercise is a cardio workout which involves standing with feet hip-width apart and jumping to cross one foot in front of the other, then jumping to return to the starting position.

How to Do Standing Scissors

  1. 1
    Setup

    Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart, arms relaxed at your sides or bent at 90 degrees as if preparing to run.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Engage your core slightly and keep your gaze forward, maintaining a neutral spine throughout the movement.

  3. 3

    Jump explosively, simultaneously crossing your right foot in front of your left and your left arm forward, while your right arm goes back.

  4. 4

    Immediately jump again, switching the position of your feet and arms so your left foot crosses in front of your right, and your left arm goes back.

  5. 5

    Continue alternating these cross-over jumps rapidly, maintaining a light and springy rhythm on the balls of your feet.

Tips

  • Focus on soft landings to protect your joints and maintain a fluid, continuous rhythm throughout the exercise.
  • Keep your core engaged to stabilize your torso and prevent excessive rocking, which helps transfer power efficiently.
  • Coordinate your arm swing with your leg movements, mimicking a sprinting motion to enhance momentum and improve overall balance.
  • Increase your speed and the height of your jumps as you become more comfortable to elevate the cardio and plyometric challenge.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Landing flat-footed can strain your joints; instead, land lightly on the balls of your feet and allow your ankles and knees to absorb the impact.
  • ×Neglecting arm movement reduces efficiency and balance; coordinate your arm swing with your leg crosses to enhance power and stability.
  • ×Rounding your back or hunching over can compromise spinal alignment; maintain an upright posture with an engaged core throughout the exercise.

Variations

Related Exercises

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