Mountain Climbers
Great Whole Body Workouts

Mountain climbers exercise variations that'll work your abs hard. Find videos and instructions for the best technique.

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This is one of my favourite exercises of all time. And I'm not talking about the common cardio variation (although that's also good!).

I'm on about mountain climber twists. A variation that not many people do, even though it's such a great exercise for your core (especially abs), arms and legs - a true whole body workout.

And you know how much I love whole body exercises. They're time efficient (work more muscles in less time), and when done at high intensity are great fat burners.

Click here for more fat burning exercises and advice on how to get a 6-pack.

You'll also need to make sure you're eating a healthy, balanced diet, to get rid of that belly fat covering your abs.

That's the other great thing about whole body workouts, they're versatile. Start off slow and steady, and learn the best technique. Then work up to high intensity (lots of reps in a short time period) and feel great when you achieve your goals.

If you haven't done any core exercises for a few months or more, then start with the basic deep core exercises before you continue.

Many of us (in fact most of us) have weak deep core muscles. It's vital to activate those muscles before moving on to more vigorous ab exercises (like this one).

Mountain Climbers - The Twist

Here is the mountain climber twist. This variation specifically works your core hard, take it slow at first.

1. Get into the push-up position (arms straight), balls of your feet on the floor.
2. Brace your core and keep your body still.
3. Slowly lift your right knee up towards your left arm, then back down to the starting position.
4. That's one movement, your feet should only touch the floor in the starting position.
5. Repeat with your left knee up to your right arm, and alternate legs with each rep.
6. Repeat 5 times. Progress by increasing repetitions and intensity.

Tips:

• Keep breathing steadily, try and get into a rhythm.
• Keep your upper body stable throughout. The "twist" should come from your core and hips, not your shoulders.
• Focus on bracing your core and keeping your body balanced with a neutral back.
• An extra challenge is to go really slow and actually hold your knee by your arm for 2 seconds before bringing it back down.

Mountain Climbers - Cardio Blast

This is the more commonly used version of this exercise. It focuses more on leg strength and cardio fitness, but also works your arms and core.

1. Get into the push-up position (arms straight), balls of your feet on the floor.
2. Lift your right knee straight up towards your right arm, then back down.
3. Repeat with your left knee to left arm.
4. Increase the speed of each rep so your legs are alternating up and down.
5. Continue for 20 seconds.

Tips:

• Keep breathing steadily, try and get into a rhythm.
• Keep your butt as low as possible during each rep.
• Brace your core and keep your body balanced without slouching your back.

Mountain Climbers - Videos

Enjoy these exercises! Check out these quality videos to see the exercises in action:

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