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How to Modify Mountain Climbers

Person performing a push-up on a sandy beach at sunrise or sunset. The individual, who could easily switch to mountain climbers, is wearing a hat, jacket, and scarf, with the ocean and a wooden structure visible in the background.
 MyFitnessPal Blog
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If you’re a fan of two-for-one deals, then mountain climbers are a great move to incorporate into your routine. This plank variation boosts strength in your legs and core and works your cardiovascular system — the faster you move your legs, the higher your heart rate will climb.

But, it’s a challenging move to master. You need enough upper-body strength to hold your entire body in a plank position, and you need the coordination to move your legs quickly. Have no fear. Our tutorial will show you how to complete this move with a few modifications.

You can safely modify mountain climbers with the following adjustments:

1. Elevate your upper body and hands.
2. Tap your toes to provide more stability as you pull your opposite knee under your body.
3. Maintain a slow tempo until you feel comfortable increasing the pace.

YouTube video

As you become more comfortable with this exercise, you can progress your tempo or bring your hands to the floor.

Before you start any exercise program, make sure you consult with a physician.

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