Exercise of the Week: Mountain Climbers
Mr. Wallace would be happy to know that I've broken my vow, simply because this move is a great way to add intensity to my workouts while building endurance and agility. When you don't have much time and want to get a good workout, mountain climbers are a great choice - something my clients don't always appreciate when I make them do these.
This move is advanced so, if you feel any discomfort or pain, you may want to avoid it. You can also modify by elevating the hands on a small step or BOSU, which some people may find more comfortable. You may have to shorten your range of motion if you do that to avoid hitting the knees on the step.
Do it right: Begin in a pushup position on the hands and toes. Bring the right knee in towards the chest, resting the foot on the floor. Jump up and switch feet in the air, bringing the left foot in and the right foot back. Continue alternating the feet as fast as you safely can for 30-60 seconds.
Comments
Paige! Oh man…I remember this evil exercise from high school sports…along with “burpees” and “reindeers”. Not very pleasant memories either. All of those exercises had a nasty little habit of quickly bringing me to the far edge of nausea. I can remember seeing more than one guy lose his breakfast/lunch during the insanely vigorous pre-football season event known as “hell week”. Since I’m just getting over 2 weeks of that wretched flu, all I can think of is, “Mountain climbers? Gug…gug…blorch!”
What are “Reindeers”?
Yep, gotta love those mt climbers. They kick a–!
ya what are reindeers
“Reindeers”: starting from either goal line on the field, coach blows whistle, everyone sprints, coach blows whistle again (about 10-15 yrds in), everyone dive forward “superman-style” and land on ground, coach blows whistle again, get up - everyone sprint, coach blows whistle again, dive forward “superman-style” and land on ground; repeat until length of football field traversed. Then turn around and come back down the field the same way. Fortunately, we were wearing full pads, but still pretty brutal.
aghh im in the army and these are waaay too familiar. they are a great workout though!!
Thanks Brad, that does sound brutal. That is about as fun as carrying your wrestling partner on your back around the mats and then going right in to 5 Michigan Staters: 5 jumping jacks, 5 push ups, 5 regular sit ups and 5 mountain climbers, repeat until the coach is tired!!
You should try these on a stability ball - if you’re unsteady at first, push ball against the wall. You’ll work your core, heart, and legs. OUCH!
YW Scot. What are “Michigan Staters”. Do they involve snow (LOL)? Trisha, you’re wicked girl! I’ve never met anyone who thought mountain climbers needed to be harder! =P