20 Jan Static Mountain Climbers

Today’s exercise is a little interesting.

Mountain climbers are technically both a plyometric AND an ab exercise.

Is that good thing?

Well… it is and it isn’t.

Look, it’s important to *always* keep in mind what your goal is.

This is true with everything in fitness.

I don’t care if we’re talking about an exercise, a food, or even a particular mindset.

Almost nothing can be categorically labeled as “good” or “bad”.

They’re all just tools. So the only objective question to ask is:

“Will this tool help me accomplish my goal?”

Today we’re looking for an ab workout.

Our goal is to tone up your stomach and improve your core stability.

So we’re going to take the mountain climber and modify it into the exact tool we need for this goal.

Introducing… “The Static Mountain Climber”.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Start in a push up position, with your hands on toes on the floor. Keep your core tight.

Step 2: Slowly, and with control, bring your left knee into your chest. Make sure to keep your body stable as you move — avoid dipping or twisting your hips to one side.

Note: Keeping your body stable as you move is *super* important. This is what we call “core stability” and it is your abdominals’ primary function.

Step 3: Pause for two seconds when your knee reaches your chest (or as far as you can go). Squeeze your abs in tight and maximize that contraction.

Step 4: Staying slow and controlled, bring your left foot back to return to the starting position.

Step 5: Repeat on the right side. Continue alternating sides with each rep.

But wait!

What if this exercise is too hard?

It might be. If so, don’t power through this exercise with sloppy form. Rather, use this simple solution:

Raise the floor.

Instead of placing your hands on the ground, with your body parallel to the floor — place your hands on a higher-up object.

You can use a table, a chair, or (in the case of our video) an ottoman.

This will move your body to an incline, lessening the amount of body weight you’ll have to hold.

As you get stronger, gradually move to lower objects, until you’re eventually doing them on the floor like a pro.

Alright, my friend. Let’s climb, shall we?

-Coach Dani

P.S. We’re opening up a few spots in the Fit2Go personal training and nutrition coaching program.

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