Which muscles does the "Scissors" exercise primarily target?

The "Scissors" exercise primarily targets the hip flexors and hip extensors. This exercise involves a movement where the legs alternate in a scissor-like motion, which requires active participation from the muscles that control hip flexion and extension.

As one leg lifts, the hip flexors engage to draw the leg upward, while the opposite leg is extended, activating the hip extensors to maintain stability and control. This dynamic movement emphasizes the coordination and strength of these muscle groups, making them the core focus of the exercise.

The other options may involve muscles engaged in various Pilates exercises, but they do not specifically align with the primary muscles targeted by the Scissors exercise. For instance, hamstrings and quads are more involved in movements related to knee flexion and extension rather than the specific hip actions performed in the "Scissors." Similarly, while the abdominal and back extensor muscles play a supportive role in maintaining stability during various exercises, the primary loading in Scissors focuses on the actions around the hip joint. Lastly, shoulder stabilizers and hip abductors are not the main focus of this particular exercise, which highlights the actions occurring in the hip region more than any other areas.