Across-Body Mountain-Climber
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The Across-Body Mountain-Climber is a compound exercise that mainly works the core, with help from the back and traps. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.

Across-Body Mountain-Climber Muscles Worked
Primary
Obliques; Abdominals (rectus abdominis)
Secondary
Boxer Muscle (serratus anterior); Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers)
Across-Body Mountain-Climber Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Across-Body Mountain-Climber
Instructions for the Mountain Climber Cross:<br>1. Start in a plank position with your arms straightened, hands placed directly underneath your shoulders, and your body forming a straight line from your heels to your head.
Engage your core by pulling your belly button towards your spine, ensuring your back remains flat and avoid letting your hips sag or pike up.
Lift your right foot off the ground and drive your right knee diagonally towards your left elbow. As you do this, twist your torso slightly to allow your knee to come closer to your elbow.
Return the right leg back to the starting position.
Repeat on the other side by lifting your left foot and driving your left knee diagonally towards your right elbow with a slight twist in the torso.
Alternate between sides for the desired number of repetitions or duration, maintaining a steady pace throughout the exercise.
Keep the movements controlled, and focus on using your obliques to complete the cross-body motion.
Remember to breathe steadily throughout the exercise and to keep your shoulders, hips, and heels in alignment. Exercise intensity can be increased by speeding up the knee drives without sacrificing form.
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Across-Body Mountain-Climber FAQs
What muscles does the Across-Body Mountain-Climber work?
The Across-Body Mountain-Climber mainly works the core, with help from the back and traps. The main muscles are the obliques and rectus abdominis.
What equipment do you need for the Across-Body Mountain-Climber?
None. The Across-Body Mountain-Climber is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
Is the Across-Body Mountain-Climber a compound exercise?
Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.
What are some Across-Body Mountain-Climber variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the BOSU™ Ball Mountain-Climber, Mountain-Climber Bridge, Crawl Switch and Against-Wall Cross Mountain-Climber Kick.
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