If you want a flatter stomach, the cross-body mountain climber exercise will get you there faster. 

You need core strength and muscle endurance strength to do this exercise correctly. On to the cross-body mountain climber exercise.

Here are some reasons for you to include the cross-body mountain climber in your workouts:

All movement begins with the core and many injuries can be traced to a weak core area. WE KNOW THE SAYING---YOU'RE ONLY AS STRONG AS YOUR "WEAKEST LINK." Well, this saying definitely applies to your body.

Many people work certain favorite body parts when exercising. In and of itself, this is not a bad thing. 

But for your training to be effective, you should focus training your "weak links" first while also training the other body parts as well.

For many, the "weakest link" is the core. Weak cores lead to back and other related trunk injuries.

Others have weak opposing muscle groups. An example would be having strong triceps but weak biceps, or strong chest muscles but weak back muscles.

Another problem for many is not strengthening and stretching all muscle groups, which will give you an unbalanced physique and poor posture.

This leads to injuries. So, what's the solution? Do full body strength workouts, which will include core strength exercises and total body flexibility exercises like the cross-body mountain climber. 

This way your workouts will focus on your "weak links" while training the other parts of your body.

The cross-body mountain climber is a compound exercise in that it works the calves, quadriceps, glutes, back, chest, triceps, abdominals and shoulders. 

You will need high levels of core strength to do this exercise the right way for each set.

The cross-body mountain climber doubles as a strength/cardio exercise.

Try doing an interval bodyweight cardio workout like this:

• Cross-body mountain climber, 30 seconds, fast
• Walk 1 minute
• Do this rotation for 20 minutes
• Do cross-body mountain climbers if you're serious about burning more fat and sculpting your body faster.

It is a versatile exercise in that you can do it on level ground, on an incline, as a warmup, as cardio or as a workout exercise. I like to include cross-body mountain climbers as part of a bodyweight cardio session.

It is one of the best and toughest exercises out there. Challenge yourself!

Do the cross-body mountain climber this way:

▶ Start by getting in the push up position with your arms fully extended. Keep your hips and torso in a straight line. Don't let your hips sag and don't point your butt in the air during this exercise.

▶ Do the exercise by moving your left knee straight up and across your body to the right armpit area (keep your abs braced). Also, don't let your foot touch the ground as you do the movement.

▶ Move your left leg back to the starting position and repeat with your right leg. Alternate your leg movements until you have completed all repetitions.

If you are already doing the mountain climber exercise then just add on the cross-body mountain climber!

Do you want to:

• Eat Better to be Healthier, Burn More Fat and Lose Permanent Weight?
• Feel Better than You have Felt in Months or Years?
• Have the Energy to Accomplish Your Daily Goals?

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Mark Dilworth, PN1-NC, CDS , NMH, LWM

Certified Nutrition Coach, Dietary Strategies Specialist, Specialist In Nutrition For Metabolic Health and Lifestyle Weight Management Specialist