Exercise 0630 · REF RJgzwny
Mountain Climber
- Category
- Cardio
- Equipment
- Body Weight
- Target
- Cardiovascular System
Mountain climbers turn a plank into a conditioning exercise — drive the knees toward the chest one at a time while keeping the hips low and the core braced, and the heart rate climbs fast. It's core and cardio in one movement, which makes it a common finisher rather than a main lift. The hips creeping upward is the usual sign that speed has started to win out over form.
How to Do the Mountain Climber
- Start in a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your body in a straight line.
- Engage your core and bring your right knee towards your chest, then quickly switch and bring your left knee towards your chest.
- Continue alternating legs in a running motion, keeping your hips low and your core engaged.
- Maintain a steady pace and breathe evenly throughout the exercise.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Muscles Worked
The Mountain Climber primarily targets the Cardiovascular System, with Core as the primary synergist muscle group, along with the Shoulders, Triceps.
More Cardio Exercises
More Cardiovascular System Exercises
Equipment Alternatives
Don't have body weight? These target the same cardiovascular system with different equipment.
FAQ
- What muscles does the Mountain Climber work?
- The Mountain Climber primarily targets the cardiovascular system, with the core and shoulders, triceps assisting.
- What equipment do I need for the Mountain Climber?
- The Mountain Climber is done with no equipment — just body weight.
- What's a good alternative to the Mountain Climber?
- If you don't have access to the space or setup it needs, the Cycle Cross Trainer targets the same cardiovascular system using leverage machine instead.