Alternatives

  • High Plank
  • Spiderman Plank
  • Plank

Summary

Mountain climbers are a high-intensity core and cardio movement performed from a plank position. They target the abs and hip flexors while also boosting cardiovascular endurance.

Benefits of the Mountain Climbers

  • Strengthens the core and hip flexors
  • Increases heart rate and burns calories
  • Improves coordination and agility
  • Engages full body with minimal equipment
  • Great for conditioning circuits or warm-ups

Mountain Climbers Muscles Worked

  • Primary: Rectus Abdominis, Hip Flexors
  • Secondary: Shoulders, Chest, Quadriceps, Glutes

Instructions

  1. Start in a high plank position with shoulders stacked over wrists
  2. Keep your body in a straight line
  3. Drive one knee toward your chest
  4. Quickly switch legs, bringing the opposite knee forward
  5. Continue alternating at a steady or fast pace
  6. Keep hips low and core braced
  7. Perform for the desired time or reps

Common Mistakes

  1. Bouncing the hips up and down
  2. Letting the back sag
  3. Moving too fast and losing form
  4. Hands placed too far forward
  5. Not fully extending the rear leg