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If you need a simple bodyweight exercise that gets your heart rate up and also tones your entire body, meet the mountain climber! It’s a classic exercise you’ve probably done before, and we love it because it will strengthen your core as you simultaneously work on your cardio and muscular endurance. This move is a great addition to any ab workout, especially if you’ve already mastered the basics like crunches and planks. Mountain climbers also make a great warm-up exercise. See the instructions below to learn to mountain climbers with correct form so you cna get the most out of this exercise.
Benefits of Mountain Climber Exercise
This compound bodyweight move is a plank variation, so you can expect to strengthen your shoulders, upper back, and core. Since you’re essentially running in place while in a stable plank position, this exercise also build leg strength. As a cardio move, mountain climbers get your heart rate up to burn more calories and increase your cardiovascular endurance.
How to Do Mountain Climbers
- Start in a traditional plank with your shoulders directly over your wrists. Be sure to keep your back flat and your butt down, maintaining a neutral spine.
- Engage your core (think about pulling your belly button in toward your spine) and lift your right knee, drawing it toward your chest. Return the right knee back to the starting position as you simultaneously drive your left knee toward your chest. Return to the starting position.
- Continue switching legs and begin to pick up the pace until it feels like you’re “running” in place in a plank position.
Workouts With Mountain Climbers
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