Mountain Climbers

Exercise Description
Main Target Muscles	Abdominals, Glutes, Chest
Secondary Target Muscles	Triceps, Shoulders
Workout Type	Cardio
Gym Gear	None
Fitness Level	Beginner
Compound/Isolated	Compound
Power Move	Explosive Bodyweight Exercise

Target Muscles: Full Body, Shoulders, Core

Mountain Climber Overview

If you plan to build your cardio endurance, it is best to start with a mountain climber. It also works well to build your core strength and burns fat in your abdominal area. The exercise works your entire body generally. It is also known as running planks by some.

The exercise also targets your quads. With your arms and shoulders, you stabilize your upper body. The core then plays a great role in stabilizing the rest of the body. The move is great for beginners to build cardio endurance, and advanced trainers can bring in some variations to the exercise, such as a sliding mountain climber with a core slider.

Increasing the speed of mountain climbers is the key to burning more fat. Remember to engage your core the entire time.

How to Do It

1. Come to a high plank position. Distribute your weight evenly between your toes and hands.
2. Your hands should be shoulder-width apart and directly under your shoulders; your back should be flat, core engaged. Your neck should be in alignment. Avoid dropping your neck.
3. Now start by pulling your right knee to the chest as fast as possible.
4. Switch legs by bringing the other knee in and moving the other to the original position.
5. Your hips should not be dropping.

Mountain Climber Tips

1. Remember to breathe throughout the exercise.
2. Make sure that you are sliding your toes, and so they should be on the ground the entire time.
3. Similarly, it would help if you were not bouncing your toes.