A variation of the Mountain Climber

This exercise called "the mountain climber" is a great move for the core.  Core stabilization is so important for so many functions of our day to day living.  Without core stabilization our lower backand spines would be unprotected.   We need core stablilization for the performance of any sport.

The mountain climber can be done in many ways.  Basically you assume a pushup position with your arms completely straight.  Lift your right foot off the floor and slowly raise your knee as close to your chest as you can.  Touch the floor with your right foot, return to starting position, repeat with left foot.  the picture shows a mountain climber using the bottom step of a staircase.  You can use a stability ball or a weight bench just about anything to position hands on.

Get into push up position and begin running your feet in right, then left, then right etc. start off doing about 25 on each side and then you can progress to 30, 40 and so forth.  Please watch for lower back pain when doing this exercise.  If you do feel a twinge in your lower back then stop the movement.