A Move You Should Do MONDAY – Diagonal Mountain Climber

This week’s move packs a big punch for your abs and helps stabilize your spine. The diagonal mountain climber activates all four layers of your abdominal muscles: rectus abdominus, external oblique, internal oblique and transverse abdominus. Here’s how to do it:

Start in a high plank position with your hands on the floor shoulder-width apart.
Tighten your abdominal muscles so your body is straight as a plank. Make sure your lower back isn’t sagging or arching.
Bring one knee towards the opposite elbow
Perform 6-10 repetitions.
Repeat with the other knee.
You may modify this exercise by alternating right and left leg movement.
If getting down on the floor is difficult, you can perform this with your hands on a countertop or table. The important part is making sure your back is straight and you move a knee towards the opposite elbow.

Why do this?

Whenever you plant your hands on the floor, you activate your abdominal muscles. Each layer of the abdominal muscles plays a key role in stabilizing and/or moving the spine during the diagonal mountain climber. If you feel lower back pain (or any sensation in your low back) when you are performing this exercise, chances are your abominal muscles are weak or fatigued.

So try this simple move and wake up your abs. Your lower back will thank you.

Because nobody has time to be in pain.

Until next time…