Tough Mudder is one of the most challenging obstacle course in the world, regardless of how fit you are. Completion of the ten to twelve mile obstacle course can only be accomplished with superior team work, physical assertion and mental toughness.
Ideally, Tough Mudder participants need to begin their training regimen at least three months before the race. If you haven’t had enough time to train and your race is only a month away, it’s time to get to work! Following these tips will help you get in the best shape possible for your upcoming race:
Always Stretch and Warm up
Stretching and warming up are both extremely important parts of any training program. Spend five minutes performing a number of stretches that include your back, arms, legs, hands and neck. Because your training sessions will put a lot of stress on your body, stretching is also necessary after each workout.
After you stretch, begin your session by running for about ten minutes to get the blood flowing. While you may be tempted to run as fast as possible, a mild jog will do just fine.
Circuit Training is Essential
Circuit training is essential when preparing for any Tough Mudder event. Circuit training involves performing a number of exercises one after the other as fast as you can.
Exercises that should be performed as part of your circuit training session include:
- Burpees
- Lateral jumpsquats
- Horizontal squat rows
- Push-ups
- Kettle bell swings
Start out by performing twenty reps of each exercise during the first week. Alternate workouts, increase reps and the number of times you complete the circuit as the month passes. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to compete in one of the hardest athletic events known to man.
The Proper Equipment
When training for a Tough Mudder event, utilizing effective equipment and wearing the appropriate athletic shoes are necessary. Equipment that you will need for your training sessions include kettle bells, a medicine ball, a TRX or other type of suspension trainer and a yoga mat, so you may need to head to your local gym or fitness studio to gain access to this equipment.
Proper apparel is necessary for extreme training sessions, so if you don’t have them already, purchase a pair of athletic shoes. A minimalist style shoe will be best, but any type of athletic shoe will do that’s lightweight, flexible and durable.
StrengthTape Kinesiology Tape can also be a big help during training and during the actual Tough Mudder race. It’s used to provide extra support for joints and muscles during extreme sporting events, so if your body is not used to high-impact sports, strength tape is recommended for protection against excessive impact on your joints and muscles.
Your Frame of Mind
Your frame of mind during your training is so important to keep in check, do you find yourself unmotivated to get up and get to training because you keep thinking that you can start training tomorrow, and you keep putting it off and putting it off? Well, news flash, that’s not going to change come tomorrow. It can only change TODAY. Make the decision and execute. Period.




