Mountain Climber Complex – Starting Position
This week’s exercise starts with an old favorite, the Mountain Climber, and takes it to an intense new level with some additional movements that are great for your trunk, hips, and legs.
One thing I never get tired of is seeing a client get up after completing a seemingly easy exercise with that look on their face like you’ve some how tricked them. As they gasp for air, they manage to mumble out “I had no idea that was going to be so hard!” Often times it’s those “oldies but goodies” like burpies, or the Mountain Climber, that can easily be deceptive.
The traditional Mountain Climber can be a great movement for cardio conditioning, trunk training and increasing speed. The only problem is it’s a little limited. We’ve added in a few extra positions to really maximize the muscles of the trunk, hips and legs as well as challenge different ranges of motion at the involved joints.
As always, start slow and make sure that the form is perfect on all of the positions before you start to increase your speed. The amount of repetitions per position is up to you and your current level of conditioning, but no matter what, always be sure to stop once your form begins to deteriorate! Have fun with this one!
Been doing this one for a couple weeks. A great variation on a old classic. Really gets the heart rate up and adds some nice hip mobility at the same time.
You are so right Dave. Try challenging yourself with timed intervals, seeing how many reps of each position you can get in 30s, 45s, 60s. just remember to stop the moment your form begins to break down.
Nice vid, Mike! Also love that mural behind you!
Thanks Al, always good to get some feedback from ya man. The video was shot in Midtown Miami which has some pretty amazing graffiti art spread through out. We thought it would be interesting to keep changing the location of the instructional videos. I’m sure you’re taking full advantage of the summer weather for training, keep it up my man!
Great stuff again, it will be an awesome complement to the animal flow. Cannot wait to try it out today.
Zak, you can easily add this into your animal flow practice. Send me a video if you get some creative combos together. Good luck my man!
I love these variations. Inspires me to find ways to mix up old routines. You probably know of this guy but if not, check out Ido Portal on YouTube for some creative and accessible dynamic movements. And by the way, are those luluelemon pants?
Hey Jon, I’m glad you got some inspiration. That’s one of my main goals is to bring a slightly different view on movements that we see all of the time. I have absolutely heard of Ido Portal and he is an extremely talented practitioner. And finally yes, they are lululemon pants. I’ve been using that brands pants for years. I’ve yet to find another company that has such nice cuts that last so damn long! I’m a big fan.
Mike I love this one!!! It really works……
Keep up the good work LeeAnn! Miss ya