Reviewed By | Dr. Elizabeth Karmen Gregg
Reviewed By | Dr. Elizabeth Karmen Gregg
PhD in Integrative And Functional Medicine | Swolverine Medical Review Board
Dr. Karmen is a clinical nutritionist, researcher, and educator specializing in hormonal health and functional nutrition for women in the prenatal, postpartum, and reproductive stages. With over a decade of experience in clinical and academic settings, she integrates evidence-based science with patient-centered care to help women achieve optimal hormonal balance and lifelong wellness.

Mountain climbers are one of the most effective ab exercises to develop a strong, flat, and chiseled set of abs. A strong core can assist in stabilization and balance to develop a better form for stronger lifts and improved power.

What Are Mountain Climbers

Mountain climbers are an extremely effective ab exercise. Held in a plank position, mountain climbers are essentially planks with a cardio element combined into one movement. Mountain climbers benefit weight loss, burning more body fat, increasing strength, and improve core stabilization. As a strength training movement, mountain climbers can drastically improve physical performance and aerobic endurance. From the plank with your legs alternating and tucked into your chest, when performed at higher intensities, and quicker tempo, the mountain climber can boost endurance. Slowed down, it can further develop core stabilization and hip flexion which is crucial for explosive movements and endurance athletes.

Mountain Climber Benefits

As with many resistance training movements, mountain climber benefits include increased strength, improved posture, better body composition, and improved muscular endurance. While the move sounds simple, mountain climbers are considered a compound exercise, stimulating several muscle groups, joints, and flexor muscles simultaneously. Another great benefit of mountain climbers is that you can perform them from the comfort of your own home, in a hotel room when you’re traveling, or at the gym.

How To Do Mountain Climbers

Watch this video and read the steps below to learn how to do mountain climbers properly.

Start in a push-up or high plank position, engage your core, glutes, and quads. Drive your left knee in towards your chest on the outside the arm, quickly jump or step it back, alternating legs, driving your right knee towards your chest outside the arm. Continue alternating for thirty seconds. Make sure to keep your shoulders in line with your wrists and effectively contract your core. Perform this movement for thirty seconds and complete a set of 5-6 sets.

Mountain Climbers: Takeaway

Mountain climbers are a killer exercise that can get your heart rate up, burn more calories, and increase core strength and stabilization. Mountain climbers can improve your functional strength as well as your aerobic and anaerobic capacity. If you want to improve your athleticism and performance, mountain climbers are a great addition to your training program. 

 


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