The mountain climber is a classic bodyweight exercise that can be performed anywhere that you have some free space. It’s a great movement to include in your HIIT workouts or WODs.
Mountain climbers will definitely have you feeling the burn in your abs, but it’s also great for cardiovascular endurance and building strength and stability.
How to do Mountain Climbers
The starting position for a mountain climber is in plank. Make sure your wrists are under your shoulders and your body is in a nice, straight line.
Pull your bellybutton in towards your spine to engage your core. Once you’re set, bring your right leg towards your right elbow while the left leg stays extended behind you.
Once you’ve reached the end of your range of motion, return the leg back to plank as you simultaneously drive your left leg forward towards the left elbow.
This is one rep. Continue switching back and forth between legs in a running-type rhythm.
Mountain Climber Tips
Do not be discouraged if you cannot reach your knee to your elbow. Go as far as your range of motion will allow. As you practice more, you may be able to extend the length that you can reach.
Incorporate mountain climbers into a circuit workout with other movements. Or perform as many as possible in a certain amount of time. For example, do 4 rounds of 30 seconds each.
