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Exercise Library / Mountain Climber

Mountain Climber

The mountain climber alternates driving your knees toward your chest while in a plank.

Cardio / Cardiorespiratory

What this exercise does

The mountain climber alternates driving your knees toward your chest while in a plank. It works your core and raises your heart rate, so it counts as both a core move and a cardio move.

At a glance

Body part
Abs / Core
Muscles worked
Core, Cardio
Experience
Intermediate
Equipment
No Equipment
Good for
Heart Health

How to do it

  1. Start in a high plank, hands under shoulders, body in a straight line.
  2. Drive your right knee toward your chest.
  3. Switch legs, as if running in place.
  4. Keep your hips level and your core tight.
  5. Go for 15 to 30 seconds, then rest.

Common mistakes

  • Bouncing the hips up and down.
  • Letting your hands drift forward.
  • Dropping the head.

Make it easier or harder

Make it easier

Place your hands on a bench or counter and step your knees in slowly.

Make it harder

Speed up, or slide your feet on a towel on a smooth floor.

Keep it safe

Hands on a raised surface reduce the load on the wrists and shoulders. Stop if you cannot keep your hips level.

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