How To: Tone your legs with mountain climbers leg thrusts

Learn how to do mountain climber exercises. Presented by Real Jock Gay Fitness Health & Life.

Benefits
Simulate the physical challenge of Everest without the cold or the oxygen deprivation. Use your hands to support your upper body as you take big, explosive steps with alternating legs, bringing your knees all the way to your chest.

Starting Position
Take a push-up, or plank position, on the floor: face down, with your weight on hands and feet, arms extended, hands directly below shoulders. Walk your feet forward underneath you, bringing your hips into the air. Stagger your feet, such that your left knee is bent under you, near your chest, with your right foot behind you and your right knee somewhat bent.

Exercise
1. Using a powerful leg thrust, as though you were climbing a very steep hill, switch your leg position, bringing your right knee toward your chest in a tuck, and letting your left leg reach behind you for balance. Make this a big "stride", and try to generate enough power that both feet come off the floor as you switch your legs.
2. Continue to alternate legs, pushing hard off the floor and bringing your knee deep under your body with each step, until you have done a full minute of mountain climbers. Try not to slow down or go smaller as you fatigue.