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Reviewed March 2026

Slider Mountain Climber

CoreSlidersIntermediateCardio

Primary

Core

Secondary

Shoulders, Hip flexors

Equipment

Sliders

Difficulty

Intermediate

Type

Push

Written byMySetPlan Training Team

NASM-CPT, CSCS certified trainers. Every guide is built from peer-reviewed research and real coaching experience.

For training your core, the Slider Mountain Climber is a solid intermediate-level pushing movement in the cardio category. Use for low-impact cardio for optimal results.

Everything You Need to Know About the Slider Mountain Climber

The Slider Mountain Climber is a intermediate difficulty exercise that targets your Core and Hip flexors. It's a popular choice for building strength and muscle in these areas. When should you use it? Use for low-impact cardio for optimal results. This timing makes the most of your workout and helps you get better results. Who is this for? Intermediate lifters looking to progress their training. Whether you're just starting out or working toward a specific goal, this exercise fits into your routine.

Slider Mountain Climber — targeted muscles

Primary

CoreHip flexors

Secondary

Shoulders

Stabilizers

ChestTriceps

How do you perform the Slider Mountain Climber?

  1. 1

    Start in high plank with feet on sliders.

  2. 2

    Slide one knee toward chest.

  3. 3

    Return and slide other knee.

  4. 4

    Alternate in controlled motion.

  5. 5

    Keep hips level for optimal results.

  6. 6

    Move smoothly - this is a common issue that reduces exercise effectiveness.

What are the best tips for the Slider Mountain Climber?

Sliders reduce impact.

Focus on core engagement.

Can go fast or slow.

Great for conditioning.

Common Slider Mountain Climber mistakes

Hips rising - this is a common issue that reduces exercise effectiveness.

Losing hip position during the Slider Mountain Climber shifts the loading pattern away from your Core and can compress your lower back. Stay planted and let your Core do the work.

Losing control for optimal results.

During any pressing movement like the Slider Mountain Climber, this mistake reduces how effectively your Core can produce force. Focus on the muscle you're trying to work — if you can't feel your Core driving the movement, something is off.

Hands too far forward.

A poor grip during the Slider Mountain Climber limits how much force you can produce and puts your wrists in a weak position. Set your grip before you start the rep, and keep your wrists stacked over your forearms.

Slider Mountain Climber — who it's best for

Intermediate lifters looking to progress their training.

How to Program the Slider Mountain Climber

Strength20-30 seconds

Lower reps with heavier weight builds raw strength. Your muscles and nervous system adapt to handle more load over time. This range is best for strength-focused goals.

Muscle Growth30-45 seconds

This rep range keeps your muscles under tension long enough to trigger growth. Most people see the best muscle-building results in this zone. It balances strength and muscle size.

Endurance45-60 seconds

Higher reps with lighter weight builds muscular endurance and improves conditioning. This range is good for joint health and building work capacity.

General guideline: 3-4 sets of 30-45 seconds. Rest 45s.

What are good alternatives to the Slider Mountain Climber?

Other Variations

  • Cross-Body Slider Climber
  • Slow Slider Climber

This Exercise Is in Your Plan

MySetPlan picks the right exercises for your goals — like the Slider Mountain Climber — and builds them into a monthly program. Every set, every rep, planned out.

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Safety Notes

  • Keep controlled.
  • Don't go too fast initially.