MWC
QuadricepsBody OnlyBeginner

Scissors Jump

Scissors Jump — starting positionScissors Jump — end position
Primary muscles
Quadriceps
Equipment
Body Only
Level
Beginner
Type
Compound · Push

How to do the Scissors Jump

  1. 1

    Assume a lunge stance position with one foot forward with the knee bent, and the rear knee nearly touching the ground.

  2. 2

    Ensure that the front knee is over the midline of the foot. Extending through both legs, jump as high as possible, swinging your arms to gain lift.

  3. 3

    As you jump as high as you can, switch the position of your legs, moving your front leg to the back and the rear leg to the front.

  4. 4

    As you land, absorb the impact through the legs by adopting the lunge position, and repeat.

How to program the Scissors Jump

Sets and reps

As a compound movement, the Scissors Jump responds well to heavier loading. For strength, work in the 3–5 sets of 4–8 reps range with 2–3 minutes of rest between sets. For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 90 seconds of rest is the classic hypertrophy zone. Place it early in your session, when you're freshest, and leave 1–3 reps in reserve on most sets.

Progression

The Scissors Jump is beginner-friendly. Start with a load (or rep count) you can complete with clean form on every set, then add a small amount of weight or 1–2 reps each week. When you hit the top of your rep range on all sets, increase the load and drop back to the bottom of the range — simple double progression.

Secondary muscles worked

GlutesHamstrings

Put the Scissors Jump into a plan

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Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the Scissors Jump work?

The Scissors Jump primarily targets the Quadriceps. It also recruits the Glutes, Hamstrings as supporting muscles.

What equipment do I need for the Scissors Jump?

You need Body Only. Difficulty level: Beginner.

How many sets and reps of the Scissors Jump should I do?

For strength, do 3–5 sets of 4–8 reps with 2–3 minutes rest. For muscle growth, do 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with about 90 seconds rest.

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