How to Do Mountain Climbers

Mountain Climbers is a core exercise using bodyweight, listed as beginner in the A90 Training Club catalogue. It is a core, dynamic movement.

Also known as mountain climber, running plank.

Primary muscle

Core

Equipment

Bodyweight

Difficulty

Beginner

Movement

Core, dynamic

01 / Move with control

How to perform

How to do Mountain Climbers

  1. 01Assume a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your body in a straight line.
  2. 02Drive your right knee toward your chest while keeping your back flat.
  3. 03Return the right foot to the starting position and simultaneously drive the left knee forward.
  4. 04Continue alternating legs at a fast but controlled pace.
  5. 05Focus on keeping the core braced to prevent the hips from bouncing.

Same guidance shown inside the A90 app

02 / Anatomy

Muscles worked by Mountain Climbers

Primary Stabiliser Inactive

Tap to explore manually

Primary movers

  • Core Stabilises the spine and transfers force.

Stabilisers

  • Lower back Stabilises the spine during lifts and bends.
  • Forearms Grips and stabilises the wrist under load.

03 / A90 Coach

A90 Coach tip

Keep your hips low and in line with your shoulders to ensure the core remains the primary stabilizer.

Same coaching engine used inside the A90 app

05 / FAQ

Mountain Climbers questions

What muscles does Mountain Climbers work?

Mountain Climbers is catalogued as a core exercise in A90 Training Club, with the core as its primary muscle group.

How do you do Mountain Climbers correctly?

Assume a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your body in a straight line. Drive your right knee toward your chest while keeping your back flat. Return the right foot to the starting position and simultaneously drive the left knee forward. Continue alternating legs at a fast but controlled pace. Focus on keeping the core braced to prevent the hips from bouncing.

What is the A90 coach tip for Mountain Climbers?

Keep your hips low and in line with your shoulders to ensure the core remains the primary stabilizer.

Is Mountain Climbers suitable for beginners?

Mountain Climbers is rated beginner in the A90 Training Club catalogue.

Do you need equipment for Mountain Climbers?

No. Mountain Climbers is listed as a bodyweight movement in the A90 catalogue, so you can train it with no kit.

A90 Intelligence

Put this into a real plan.

A90 Intelligence programmes mountain climbers into a 30, 60 or 90 day plan built around your equipment, then adjusts it as you train.

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