MOUNTAIN CLIMBER


Works: glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves, core, chest

Assume a push-up position, with hands flat on floor beneath shoulders and feet hip-width apart, balancing on toes. Bend left knee and plant ball of left foot beneath torso, as shown. Spring off toes and raise hips into the air, switching legs, so left leg is extended and right is bent. Repeat, alternating legs.

Why It Works

This oldie-but-goodie keeps your heart rate high, cranking up your calorie burn to melt fat.

Step-Up

Works: glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves, core

Stand in front of step or staircase with feet together, arms at sides. Place left foot solidly on step, keeping head up and abs tight. Lift body onto step, raising right knee until thigh is parallel to floor, as shown. Hold for a second. Lower right foot to floor behind step, then left. Repeat with right foot and raise left knee. Continue alternating legs.

Why It Works

In addition to mimicking real-life demands, such as climbing stairs, the step-up forces you to engage your core; raising the knee challenges your balance.