Mountain Climber

Muscles worked: Abs & Core, Back & Core, Legs & Glutes, Calves

Mountain Climber is a fast plank drill where the knees alternate toward the chest in a running motion. As a conditioning move it challenges your core endurance and your lungs at the same time.

The plank is the foundation: hips down, back flat, shoulders steady. Let your legs do the running while your upper body stays still, and slow the pace the moment your hips start bouncing.

How to do it

1. Start in a plank with your shoulders over your hands.
2. Drive one knee toward your chest, keeping your hips level.
3. Return that foot and drive the other knee toward your chest.
4. Keep alternating with control, keeping your hips level and your shoulders over your hands.
5. Only speed up when you can hold the plank shape.

Try it in the app →

Programs that include it

All exercises

General fitness information only, not medical advice. Stop if an exercise causes pain, and talk to a doctor before starting a new workout routine if you have a health condition.