Mountain climbers can be used as a conditioning exercise, increasing core strength and endurance. This exercise is also great for speed and agility development. One interesting thing about the mountain climber exercise is that it works the entire body. As a result, it is physically demanding.
You begin a mountain climber similar to a push-up. Your hands and arms are on the ground, about shoulder width apart. One leg is bent, tucked under your torso while the other leg remains straight and behind your body (a.k.a. runner's lunge position). Your weight is supported by your upper body and the balls of your feet. Keep your head in line with your torso and your abdominals contracted throughout the exercise. Begin the mountain climber by quickly alternating legs and continuing the movement for several seconds. The aim is to bring your knees in toward your chest as you perform the alternating "climber" motion.
Step 1
Start in the "runner's" position.
Step 2
Keep hands on the ground, then alternate leg positions. The transition takes place with both feet in mid-air.
Step 3
End with the opposite leg in the lunging position and repeat as desired.