10 Best Mountain Climbers Alternatives for Leg Conditioning

Mountain Climbers are done lying face down. Ranked closest by our scoring: the Stride Jump Crossover and the Fast Skipping. Three harder versions, the Star Jump, Skater Hops and Scissor Jumps, are listed below as progressions rather than swaps.

Mountain Climbers put you in a high plank on your hands and toes and have you drive one knee under your hip, then swap legs fast, so your legs do the work while your hands and shoulders carry the plank. If getting down on the floor is the problem, the closest option is the Stride Jump Crossover, which keeps that same quad drive while you stay on your feet. Fast Skipping trades the crossing step for a simpler stepping rhythm if balance is the sticking point instead.

Updated Ranked by our 12-factor similarity model How it works

Original Exercise: Mountain Climbers

Mountain Climbers
Primary muscle
Quads
Equipment
Bodyweight
Difficulty
Intermediate
Type
Compound

Secondary muscles: Chest, Hamstrings, Shoulders

How to perform Mountain Climbers
  1. Begin in a pushup position, with your weight supported by your hands and toes. Flexing the knee and hip, bring one leg until the knee is approximately under the hip. This will be your starting position.
  2. Explosively reverse the positions of your legs, extending the bent leg until the leg is straight and supported by the toe, and bringing the other foot up with the hip and knee flexed. Repeat in an alternating fashion for 20-30 seconds.
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Ranked Mountain Climbers Alternatives

10 substitutes, ranked by how closely each one matches Mountain Climbers on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. The higher the score, the less you change. Open "How to perform this exercise" on a card for the steps; every card title links to that exercise's own alternatives page. Harder versions are tagged as progressions and kept out of the top spot even when they score higher.

  1. Best match
    Stride Jump Crossover

    1. Stride Jump Crossover

    78% match
    • Quads
    • Other
    • Intermediate
    • Compound

    Pick this when you want a harder version that still works the quads.

    How to perform this exercise
    1. Stand to the side of a box with your inside foot on top of it, close to the edge.
    2. Begin by swinging the arms upward as you push through the top leg, jumping upward as high as possible. Attempt to drive the opposite knee upward.
    3. Land in the opposite position that you started, on the opposite side of the box. The foot that was initially on the box will now be on the ground, with the opposite foot now on the box.
    4. Repeat the movement, crossing back over to the other side.

    Sets and reps: Work for 30 to 60 seconds, rest as long as you worked, and repeat 6 to 10 times.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: quads, the same as Mountain Climbers
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, the same as Mountain Climbers
    • Body position: standing, not lying face down
  2. Fast Skipping

    2. Fast Skipping

    74% match
    • Quads
    • Bodyweight
    • Intermediate
    • Compound

    Pick this when you want to work the quads with less balance to manage.

    How to perform this exercise
    1. Start in a relaxed position with one leg slightly forward. This will be your starting position.
    2. Skip by executing a step-hop pattern of right-right-step to left-left-step, and so on, alternating back and forth.
    3. Perform fast skips by maintaining close contact with the ground and reduce air time, moving as quickly as possible.

    Sets and reps: Work for 30 to 60 seconds, rest as long as you worked, and repeat 6 to 10 times.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: quads, the same as Mountain Climbers
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, the same as Mountain Climbers
    • Body position: standing, not lying face down
    • Balance: easier to stay steady on than Mountain Climbers
  3. Mountain ClimberPlay demonstration

    3. Mountain Climber

    70% match
    • Cardio
    • Bodyweight
    • Intermediate
    • Compound

    A looser match: it uses the same equipment, but it works the cardiovascular rather than the quads.

    How to perform this exercise
    1. Start in a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your body in a straight line.
    2. Engage your core and bring your right knee towards your chest, then quickly switch and bring your left knee towards your chest.
    3. Continue alternating legs in a running motion, keeping your hips low and your core engaged.
    4. Maintain a steady pace and breathe evenly throughout the exercise.
    5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: Work for 30 to 60 seconds, rest as long as you worked, and repeat 6 to 10 times.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: your heart and lungs, not quads
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, the same as Mountain Climbers
    • Body position: lying face down, the same as Mountain Climbers
  4. Star Jump

    Progression

    4. Star Jump

    69% match
    • Quads
    • Bodyweight
    • Intermediate
    • Compound
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Begin in a relaxed stance with your feet shoulder width apart and hold your arms close to the body.
    2. To initiate the move, squat down halfway and explode back up as high as possible. Fully extend your entire body, spreading your legs and arms away from the body.
    3. As you land, bring your limbs back in and absorb your impact through the legs.

    Sets and reps: Work for 30 to 60 seconds, rest as long as you worked, and repeat 6 to 10 times.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: quads, the same as Mountain Climbers
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, the same as Mountain Climbers
    • Body position: standing, not lying face down
    • Balance: easier to stay steady on than Mountain Climbers
  5. Back And Forth StepPlay demonstration

    5. Back And Forth Step

    65% match
    • Cardio
    • Bodyweight
    • Beginner
    • Compound

    A looser match: it uses the same equipment, but it works the heart and lungs rather than the quads.

    How to perform this exercise
    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Step forward with your right foot, bending your knee and lowering your body into a lunge position.
    3. Push off with your right foot and step back to the starting position.
    4. Repeat the movement with your left foot, alternating legs with each step.
    5. Continue stepping back and forth, maintaining a steady pace.
    6. Repeat for the desired duration or number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: Work for 30 to 60 seconds, rest as long as you worked, and repeat 6 to 10 times.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: your heart and lungs, not quads
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, the same as Mountain Climbers
    • Body position: standing, not lying face down
    • Balance: easier to stay steady on than Mountain Climbers
  6. Skater HopsPlay demonstration

    Progression

    6. Skater Hops

    64% match
    • Cardio
    • Bodyweight
    • Advanced
    • Compound
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Bend your knees slightly and jump to the right, landing on your right foot.
    3. As you land, swing your left leg behind your right leg and tap the ground with your left toes.
    4. Immediately jump to the left, landing on your left foot.
    5. As you land, swing your right leg behind your left leg and tap the ground with your right toes.
    6. Continue alternating sides, jumping and tapping the ground with each leg.
    7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: Work for 30 to 60 seconds, rest as long as you worked, and repeat 6 to 10 times.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: your heart and lungs, not quads
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, the same as Mountain Climbers
    • Body position: standing, not lying face down
  7. Scissor JumpsPlay demonstration

    Progression

    7. Scissor Jumps

    63% match
    • Cardio
    • Bodyweight
    • Intermediate
    • Compound
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Jump off the ground and simultaneously cross your right leg in front of your left leg.
    3. As you land, quickly switch legs, crossing your left leg in front of your right leg.
    4. Continue alternating legs and jumping as quickly as possible.
    5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: Work for 30 to 60 seconds, rest as long as you worked, and repeat 6 to 10 times.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: your heart and lungs, not quads
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, the same as Mountain Climbers
    • Body position: standing, not lying face down
  8. Astride JumpsPlay demonstration

    8. Astride Jumps

    62% match
    • Cardio
    • Bodyweight
    • Intermediate
    • Compound
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Bend your knees and lower your body into a squat position.
    3. Jump explosively upwards, extending your legs and arms.
    4. While in the air, spread your legs apart and bring your arms out to the sides.
    5. Land softly with your feet shoulder-width apart, bending your knees to absorb the impact.
    6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: Work for 30 to 60 seconds, rest as long as you worked, and repeat 6 to 10 times.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: your heart and lungs, not quads
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, the same as Mountain Climbers
    • Body position: standing, not lying face down
    • Balance: easier to stay steady on than Mountain Climbers
  9. Ski StepPlay demonstration

    9. Ski Step

    62% match
    • Cardio
    • Bodyweight
    • Beginner
    • Compound
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Bend your knees slightly and keep your back straight.
    3. Jump to the right, landing on your right foot while swinging your left leg behind your right leg.
    4. Immediately jump to the left, landing on your left foot while swinging your right leg behind your left leg.
    5. Continue alternating jumps from side to side, mimicking a skiing motion.
    6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: Work for 30 to 60 seconds, rest as long as you worked, and repeat 6 to 10 times.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: your heart and lungs, not quads
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, the same as Mountain Climbers
    • Body position: standing, not lying face down
    • Balance: easier to stay steady on than Mountain Climbers
  10. Quick FeetPlay demonstration

    10. Quick Feet

    61% match
    • Calves
    • Bodyweight
    • Beginner
    • Isolation
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms by your sides.
    2. Begin by rapidly moving your feet up and down, as if you were running in place.
    3. Keep your movements quick and light, focusing on staying on the balls of your feet.
    4. Continue for the desired duration or number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: Work for 30 to 60 seconds, rest as long as you worked, and repeat 6 to 10 times.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: calves, not quads
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, the same as Mountain Climbers
    • Body position: standing, not lying face down
    • Balance: easier to stay steady on than Mountain Climbers

Why You Might Need a Mountain Climbers Alternative

Mountain Climbers ask you to hold a plank while your legs move fast underneath you, and that combination sends people looking for something else: a hand position they would rather skip, no floor space, or wanting to stay on your feet for a warm up. Every standing option keeps your hands free and needs no kit, apart from the Stride Jump Crossover, which needs a box to jump across. Star Jump and Ski Step both work through a jump before landing, so treat them as a step up rather than a like for like, while Fast Skipping keeps its footwork tight and repetitive. Mountain Climber, singular, is the same drill under a slightly different name; use whichever one your gym or app lists.

How to Choose the Right Mountain Climbers Substitute

If floor space is the issue, the Stride Jump Crossover keeps the same knee drive as Mountain Climbers while you stay upright, jumping from one side of a box to the other and swapping which foot is on top. Fast Skipping keeps both feet close to the ground with almost no air time, so start there if jumping on and off a box feels like too much. Back And Forth Step moves through a simple forward and back lunge with no jump at all, while Ski Step has you jump side to side, landing on one foot and swinging the other leg behind it. Quick Feet drops the jump altogether and moves your feet in place, which fits a warm up before the harder options.

Mountain Climbers FAQ

How is Mountain Climbers different from the exercise also called Mountain Climber?

They are the same movement filed under two near identical names. Both start from a high plank and drive one knee toward your chest at a time while the other leg stays extended. Pick whichever name your gym or app happens to list; you are doing the same drill either way.

Which Mountain Climbers alternative suits someone just starting out?

Back And Forth Step is the gentler starting point: you step forward into a lunge and back again with no jump to time. Quick Feet is another easy entry, since it keeps your feet moving fast in place without any jump at all. Ski Step has you jump from foot to foot, swinging the free leg behind you each time, so save it for once the footwork feels familiar.

Do any of these Mountain Climbers alternatives need equipment?

Only the Stride Jump Crossover does: you need a box or step to jump on and off. Every other option here, including Fast Skipping, Star Jump and Quick Feet, uses nothing but your bodyweight, so they work anywhere you have a small patch of floor.

Does Star Jump train the same muscles as Mountain Climbers?

Mostly. Star Jump starts from a half squat and drives you straight up with your arms and legs spread, so your legs do all the work and nothing is held by your hands, where Mountain Climbers keep your chest and shoulders loaded holding the plank. Expect a wider stance and more hip involvement than the original move asks for.

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