Cardio exercise · body weight
Mountain Climber
The mountain climber is a bodyweight exercise that targets your heart and lungs, with the core, shoulders and triceps assisting.
- Target muscle
- Cardiovascular system
- Also works
- Core, shoulders, triceps
- Equipment
- Body weight
- Body part
- Cardio
How to do the mountain climber
- Start in a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your body in a straight line.
- Engage your core and bring your right knee towards your chest, then quickly switch and bring your left knee towards your chest.
- Continue alternating legs in a running motion, keeping your hips low and your core engaged.
- Maintain a steady pace and breathe evenly throughout the exercise.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Sets and reps
Work in intervals — for example 30–45 seconds on and 15–30 seconds off for 6–10 rounds — or keep a steady pace for 10–20 minutes.
Muscles worked
The main muscle is your heart and lungs. The core, shoulders and triceps work as secondary muscles. See all cardio exercises or every bodyweight exercise.
