Mountain climber — Form
Body Workouts

Core

Mountain climber

Suggested start: 2–3 sets · 10–15 reps per leg · rest 30–45 sec between sets

Repetitions
Knee-drive positionBodyweight
Side view of a mountain climber with straight supporting arms, one leg extended, the other knee drawn beneath the chest, and abdominals and obliques highlighted red.
Visible abdominals & obliques

An alternating knee drive from a high plank. Start slowly so your trunk stays steady as your legs move.

How to do it

  1. Set a high plank

    Plant your hands beneath your shoulders and extend your legs behind you onto your toes.

  2. Brace your middle

    Keep your neck long and your hips in line with your trunk. Spread your fingers and press through both palms.

  3. Draw one knee in

    Bring one knee toward your chest while the other toes stay planted. Keep the moving foot off the floor and your hips level.

  4. Return, then alternate

    Extend that leg back into your plank before bringing the other knee forward. Keep a pace that lets you control each switch.

Find your form

Keep in mind

  • Keep your shoulders over your hands.
  • Use a smaller knee drive if your hips start to bounce.

Watch out for

  • Piking your hips high or letting your lower back sag.
  • Rushing the switches and rocking your torso from side to side.

Movement references

Sweat · Mountain climber (opens in a new tab)