Running creates a strong foundation for preparing for any Tough Mudder event. One way or another, those legs are going to have to carry you at least 10 miles. But what about the rest of the challenges you’ll be facing on course? The intense hills, climbing walls, monkey bars, and everything in between.
For better performance on course, and strength beyond your stride, consider introducing high-intensity workouts into your training regiment. Here’s why:
Explosive Power
Cruising for 10 miles is one thing, but launching up Everest or yanking yourself over Berlin Walls can be daunting – especially as fatigue starts to build. Incorporating some common high-intensity training exercises into your routine will condition your body to reserve some energy for an explosive burst when you need it most. Need a place to start? Try a few of these exercises:
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Kipping pull-ups (beginner variation: ring rows)
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Box jumps (beginner variation: step ups)
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Suicides
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Burpee broad jumps
Quicker Recovery
Everyone has a unique set of strengths and weaknesses – but if you’re challenging yourself appropriately, you’re sure to come up short on energy a few times during your next Tough Mudder. The constantly varied nature of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts help get your body to quickly recover even in the midst of intense exercise – just what you’ll need to keep up the pace after scrambling up a nightmarish Cliffhanger.
Well-Rounded Strength
Tough Mudder courses are designed to provide a serious challenge for Mudders of all different ability levels. Tackling a Tough Mudder is a surefire way to uncover underdeveloped strengths – whether you need to work on your grip, upper body, or endurance running. Such a multifaceted challenge pairs perfectly with a high-intensity training regimen, which has a similar way of unearthing weaknesses.
Start incorporating some intense, full-body workouts into your routine and you might just find yourself swinging across Funky Monkey with ease for once.
Ready to go? Check out this episode of Coachified for a humbling high-intensity workout that’ll leave you and your partner feeling ready to crush the course.
Sweating solo? Try this:
15 minute AMRAP (as many rounds as possible)
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200m Row
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5 Clean + Press (beginner variation: front squat)
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10 Box Jumps (beginner variation: step ups)
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10 Toes to Bar (beginner variation: knees to chest)
200 meter Row
5 Clean & Press
10 Box Jumps
10 Toes to Bar
Teamwork tip: Turn this WOD into an interval partner workout. While Partner A does the exercise, Partner B rests.
Want to keep your training going? Find a Tough Mudder Bootcamp near you.
