Back to Basics Boot Camp: Mountain Climbers

Want to know the secret to getting toned and trim? It’s actually quite simple: know the basics!

Whether you are a seasoned fitness veteran or you are just starting a workout plan, knowing a few basic fitness definitions, key moves and a breakdown to perfect form is the best way to put you on a path to health success. Learning these basics will help you become a more knowledgeable fitness enthusiast and help you decide whether or not to include certain moves or concepts into your gym routine.

Think of it as a little fitness 101, if you will. Even long-term exercisers skip a beat on some basics gym moves so a refresher is always needed. In no time the personal trainers at your gym will be complimenting your form, fitness knowledge and coming to you for tips!

You will be a fitness master in the making with these Back to Basics Boot Camp sessions.


This week’s Back to Basics Boot Camp move is the mountain climber. Climbing a mountain on the floor is no easy feat. Which begs the questions why in the world you would want to do that…but the answer is simple: this exercise is excellent for building cardio endurance and strengthening your core. Double workout wammy.

Primary muscles engaged:

  • Abs
  • Lower back
  • Glutes
  • Obliques
  • Quadriceps
  • Hamstrings
  • Secondary muscles like your shoulders, arms and chest muscles work to stabilize your body while you move your feet back and forth.

Back to Basics Boot Camp Tip: Add a 30 second round of mountain climbers to your circuit routine to keep your heart rate pumping.

Do it right with this video on proper form:

Do you do mountain climbers when you exercise? Where do you feel the burn most when you are done with a set? Comment below! 

Feature photo via 

NO COMMENTS