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Exercise Library/Abs/Body weight/Mountain Climbers
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Mountain Climbers

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Mountain Climbers is a dynamic bodyweight exercise that mimics climbing by rapidly driving alternating knees toward the chest from a high plank position, building core strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. It primarily targets the abs, along with hip flexors, shoulders, and legs for stability. Ideal for athletes, beginners improving conditioning, or anyone seeking a no-equipment metabolic workout to enhance agility and burn calories efficiently.

How to Perform Mountain Climbers

  1. 1Begin in a high plank position with hands directly under shoulders, arms straight, and body forming a straight line from head to heels.
  2. 2Engage your core by pulling your belly button toward your spine and keeping hips level.
  3. 3Drive your right knee toward your chest while keeping your left leg extended straight back.
  4. 4Exhale as you quickly switch legs, driving your left knee toward your chest and extending the right leg back.
  5. 5Inhale as you return to the starting plank position momentarily before repeating the alternation.
  6. 6Continue alternating legs in a rapid, controlled running motion for the desired reps or time.
  7. 7Key form tips: Maintain a neutral spine—avoid letting hips sag or pike up; keep shoulders over wrists; land softly on toes to minimize impact. Common mistakes: Rounding the back, moving too slowly (reduces intensity), or allowing hips to bounce.

Muscles Worked

Front

Back

Primary
Secondary
Primary
Abs
Secondary
Hip flexorQuadsShoulders

Equipment Required

Body weight
Uses 60% of bodyweight

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Quick answers

What muscles does Mountain Climbers work?
Mountain Climbers primarily targets the Abs. Secondary muscles worked include the Hip flexor, Quads, Shoulders.
What equipment do I need for Mountain Climbers?
Mountain Climbers is a bodyweight exercise. No additional equipment is required, though you may add resistance for progression.
How do I perform Mountain Climbers correctly?
Mountain Climbers is performed in 7 steps. Start by: Begin in a high plank position with hands directly under shoulders, arms straight, and body forming a straight line from head to heels. See the full step-by-step instructions above for complete form guidance.
What type of exercise is Mountain Climbers?
Mountain Climbers is a strength training exercise designed to build muscle and increase force production. It primarily works the Abs.

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