Windshield Wipers - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Windshield Wipers

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Windshield Wipers.

HardObliques

About this exercise

An advanced lying rotational core exercise performed with straight legs raised, rotating them side to side like windshield wipers to heavily challenge the obliques, abs, and lower back stabilisers. The straight-leg position greatly increases the lever arm and demands significant core strength.

How to Perform

  • Lie on your back and extend your arms out to the sides, gripping something stable if needed
  • Raise both straight legs until they are perpendicular to the floor
  • Keeping your shoulders on the floor, slowly rotate your legs to the right as far as control allows
  • Pause briefly near the floor, then raise the legs back to vertical
  • Rotate to the left side to complete one full repetition
  • Keep the movement slow and controlled — avoid letting momentum carry the legs
  • Repeat for the desired number of repetitions

Muscle Activation

Primary
Obliques

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Windshield Wipers

The Windshield Wipers 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.