Appears in642 Workouts*

Bench Elevated Mountain-Climber

Elevated core & cardio blast! Bench Elevated Mountain Climbers build strength & burn calories. A challenging twist on a classic!

The Bench Elevated Mountain-Climber is a compound exercise that mainly works the core and quads, with help from the back. You'll need: exercise bench.

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Required Equipment

Exercise Bench
Exercise Bench

Bench Elevated Mountain-Climber Muscles Worked

Primary

Abdominals (rectus abdominis); Quads (quadriceps femoris)

Secondary

Boxer Muscle (serratus anterior); Lats (latissimus dorsi)

How to do the Bench Elevated Mountain-Climber

Elevated Mountain Climber with Hands on a Bench

Positioning:

  1. Setup: Stand in front of the bench and place your hands on the edge of the bench, shoulder-width apart.

  2. Body Position: Walk your feet back until your body forms a straight line from your head to your heels. Keep your core engaged, and ensure your hips are in line with your shoulders.

Movement:

  1. Starting Position: Begin with both feet on the ground and your body in an elevated plank position.

  2. Knee Drive: Quickly bring your right knee toward your chest, keeping your foot off the ground.

  3. Switch Legs: Return your right foot to the starting position and simultaneously bring your left knee toward your chest.

  4. Alternating: Continue to alternate legs at a controlled, steady pace, keeping your core engaged and back straight throughout the movement.

  5. Repetitions: Perform for a set time (e.g., 30 seconds) or a specific number of repetitions (e.g., 10-15 on each leg).

Tips:

  • Keep your breathing steady; exhale when you bring your knee up.

  • Maintain control and avoid rounding your back.

  • Start slowly if you're a beginner, gradually increasing the speed as you become more comfortable.

Bench Elevated Mountain-Climber FAQs

What muscles does the Bench Elevated Mountain-Climber work?

The Bench Elevated Mountain-Climber mainly works the core and quads, with help from the back. The main muscles are the rectus abdominis and quadriceps femoris.

What equipment do you need for the Bench Elevated Mountain-Climber?

Exercise bench.

Is the Bench Elevated Mountain-Climber a compound exercise?

Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.

What workout day should the Bench Elevated Mountain-Climber go on?

It belongs on push day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Bench Elevated Mountain-Climber variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Against-Wall Cross Mountain-Climber Kick, Chair Elevated Mountain-Climber, Box Incline Mountain-Climber Step and Bench Mountain-Climber.

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