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Mountain-Climber Cross Kick

Challenge your core & coordination with Mountain-Climber Cross Kicks! A dynamic exercise to boost cardio & sculpt your abs.

The Mountain-Climber Cross Kick is a compound exercise that mainly works the core, with help from the quads and glutes & hips. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.

Mountain-Climber Cross Kick demo video 2
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Mountain-Climber Cross Kick Muscles Worked

Primary

Abdominals (rectus abdominis); Obliques

Secondary

Quads (quadriceps femoris); Long Thigh (sartorius)

How to do the Mountain-Climber Cross Kick

Mountain Climber Cross Kick

Positioning

  1. Start in a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your body in a straight line from head to heels. Feet should be hip-width apart.

  2. Engage your core to keep your body stable.

Movement

  1. From the starting position, lift your right knee towards your chest while keeping your left leg straight.

  2. As you bring your right knee forward, twist your hips to bring the right leg across your body towards your left elbow.

  3. Return your right leg back to the starting position and repeat the movement with your left knee.

  4. Bring your left knee towards your chest while twisting to bring your left leg across your body towards your right elbow.

  5. Continue alternating legs in a fluid motion, ensuring you keep your core engaged and your body stable.

  6. Aim for a quick pace to increase the intensity, but maintain control throughout the movement.

Tips

  • Keep your back flat and avoid sagging your hips.

  • Breathe steadily throughout the exercise.

  • Start with 20-30 seconds of work, followed by a rest period, and gradually increase the duration as you build strength and stamina.

Mountain-Climber Cross Kick FAQs

What muscles does the Mountain-Climber Cross Kick work?

The Mountain-Climber Cross Kick mainly works the core, with help from the quads and glutes & hips. The main muscles are the rectus abdominis and obliques.

What equipment do you need for the Mountain-Climber Cross Kick?

None. The Mountain-Climber Cross Kick is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.

Is the Mountain-Climber Cross Kick a compound exercise?

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

What are some Mountain-Climber Cross Kick variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Mountain-Climber Bridge, Against-Wall Cross Mountain-Climber Kick, Against-Wall Cross Mountain-Climber and Bench Elevated Mountain-Climber.

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