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Side Lying Scissors

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Side Lying Scissors.

EasyGlutes

About this exercise

Side Lying Scissors is a floor exercise performed on your side in which you move both legs in a vertical scissoring motion to target the outer and inner thighs. The movement also engages the glutes and requires core stability to keep the body properly aligned.

How to Perform

  • Lie on your side with your body in a straight line, resting on your forearm or with your head supported by your bottom arm
  • Stack your legs on top of each other and keep your core braced
  • Raise your top leg upward as high as comfortable, then lower it back down and continue past your bottom leg
  • Simultaneously raise your bottom leg upward as the top leg descends, creating a scissors motion
  • Continue the alternating up-and-down scissoring movement in a controlled rhythm
  • Complete the desired reps on one side, then switch sides and repeat

Muscle Activation

Primary
Glutes
Secondary
Outer thighs

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Side Lying Scissors

The Side Lying Scissors is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.