Exercise

Mountain Climbers

Also known as: mountain climber, running plank, climber

Mountain Climbers — position 1Mountain Climbers — position 2

Mountain Climbers is a compound exercise for the abdominals and quadriceps. Main target: lower abs and rectus femoris. Also works: upper abs, vastus lateralis, anterior deltoid, biceps femoris and middle chest. No equipment needed — just your bodyweight.

EquipmentBodyweight
TypeCompound (multi-joint)
MovementPull
CategoryPlyometrics

Muscles worked

How to do it

  1. Begin in a pushup position, with your weight supported by your hands and toes. Flexing the knee and hip, bring one leg until the knee is approximately under the hip. This will be your starting position.
  2. Explosively reverse the positions of your legs, extending the bent leg until the leg is straight and supported by the toe, and bringing the other foot up with the hip and knee flexed. Repeat in an alternating fashion for 20-30 seconds.

Used in these programs

No-Equipment Full Body Home Workout

Three bodyweight sessions a week: squats, push-ups, lunges, bridges, supermans and planks.

Beginner · 3 times a week · Home

Similar exercises

Timed Mountain Climbers
Bodyweight
Lower absRectus femoris
Iron Crosses (stretch)
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Dead Bug
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Hanging Leg Raise
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Pistol Squat
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Jackknife Sit-Up
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Alternatives with other equipment

Intermediate Hip Flexor and Quad Stretch
Other
Rectus femoris
Leg Press
Machine
Vastus lateralisRectus femoris
Exercise Ball Pull-In
Exercise ball
Lower abs
Hip Flexion with Band
Bands
Rectus femoris
Quadriceps-SMR
Foam roll
Rectus femoris
Goblet Squat
Kettlebell
Vastus lateralisRectus femorisGluteus maximus
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