How to Do Crunches So They Actually Work Your Abs

Another Pilates mainstay, scissors demand the same core stability as the double-leg stretch, but when extending one leg at a time.

• Lie on your back, and engage your core to lift your upper body off the floor so your shoulder blades hover.
• Lift your left leg to hover off the floor, then bring it up toward the ceiling, gently holding your right shin.
• Keep your upper body lifted as you switch legs. That's one rep.