How to Do Mountain Climbers?

Mountain climber is an effective exercise that can benefit your entire body. It can boost your cardio endurance, core strength and help you maintain a healthy weight. However, like any other form of exercise, it is important that you do mountain climbers the right way for maximum benefits and desired results. If you are just starting out and are not sure how to do mountain climbers, our step-by-step instructions can come in handy. Let’s get started with it.

Steps to Do mountain climbers the right way

The following are the steps to do mountain climbers the right way:

1. Start in a high plank or push-up position. Your hands should be directly below your shoulders. Keep your feet about a foot or hip-width apart.

2. When you are in the right position, your shoulders will be higher than your hips.

3. Put squeezing pressure on your shoulders, core and glutes. Keep your head in a neutral and comfortable position, and bring the right knee up to your chest.

4. Return the right leg to the original position and bring the left knee up to the chest.

5. Increase the speed gradually until it looks like you are running against the floor.

6. Continue alternating reps for a few minutes. Make sure you pull your knees up powerfully every time for maximum benefits.

Common Mistakes

1. Not driving the knees to the chest

2. Setting up with your hands in the wrong position

3. Allowing your hips to rise or your shoulders to fall

4. Not allowing your toes to touch the floor

5. Bouncing on your toes

Benefits of mountain climbers

Mountain climbers are great for building cardio endurance, core strength, and agility. It’s almost like getting a total-body workout with just a single exercise as you work several different muscle groups.

As you perform the move, your shoulders, arms, and chest work to stabilize your upper body while your core stabilizes the rest of your body. As the prime mover, your quads get an incredible workout, too. And because it's a cardio exercise, you'll get heart health benefits and burn calories.