"Focus on Form for Maximum Gain": A fitness trainer recommands her preferred bodyweight workout to strengthen the core and improve cardiovascular endurance.
Strengthen Your Core and More with the Cross-Body Mountain Climber
Bodyweight exercises are a great way to build strength and muscle, and one such exercise that stands out is the cross-body mountain climber. This versatile move, favoured by top trainer Kelsey Wells, works the core, back, hips, legs, glutes, and shoulders.
To perform a cross-body mountain climber, start in a high plank position with your hands under your shoulders and your body forming a straight line from head to heels. From here, bring one knee towards the opposite elbow while keeping your back flat and your body steady. Return to the start position and repeat on the other side.
For beginners, it's best to perform the exercise slowly, focusing on perfecting your form and feeling your core muscles working. As you progress, you can increase the tempo, add more sets or repetitions, or choose harder exercise variations to challenge yourself further.
Progressive overload is essential in bodyweight training to prevent training plateaus. For those looking to add weight to their bodyweight exercises, a gym membership or adjustable dumbbells can be helpful.
The cross-body mountain climber can be done in two ways: fast and dynamic for cardio benefits or slow and controlled for extra core activation. Whichever way you choose, this compound exercise targets multiple muscle groups, making it a valuable addition to any workout routine.
Kelsey Wells, a fitness trainer known for her focus on bodyweight and strength training, first published the Cross-body Mountain Climber as a preferred bodyweight exercise element in 2017 on her online fitness platform. If you're looking for a challenging and effective exercise to add to your routine, give the cross-body mountain climber a try!
In addition to building strength and muscle, bodyweight exercises can be done anywhere, making them a convenient option for those with busy schedules. So, why not give the cross-body mountain climber a try and see the results for yourself?
