Obstacle course training is one of the many ways to perform high-intensity interval training or HIIT. As the name suggests, the workout is set up with several obstacles throughout the course. Participants must complete the activity at every obstacle or station and proceed immediately to the next one, contrary to stations training where you perform the activity in the station repeatedly until the time expires. The goal of every participant is to successfully make it through all of the obstacles without interruption at the fastest pace.
Those who regularly perform obstacle course training understand that it is nothing like traditional training and can be difficult to master at first; but through frequent workouts paired with healthy eating habits, you’ll be able to finally take on the real deal.
You do not have to be some wildly extreme, thrill-seeking gym rat to pursue obstacle course training. Although the workouts are intense, it becomes easier to perform over time as your body adapts (until a new obstacle is introduced), and then you must train harder to overcome that obstacle. This training method introduces fitness seekers to a type of workout that is continuously challenging so that the desire to get stronger, faster, and leaner never ceases.
If you can identify with any of the following, obstacle course training is for you!
Have you been following a gym workout regimen that your friend sent you and you have yet to see any results? The issue with such training plans is that they are catered to specific goals and body types, while obstacle course training is for everyone. Nevermind the hassle of spending hours on the internet looking for the most appropriate workout plan for you, and simply show up and work out at your local obstacle course training studio.
One main reason why you probably aren’t seeing any results is that you’ve become bored with your current training regimen. This makes it hard to get up and go to the gym every day and can lead to you actually dreading workouts, not due to their intensity but since you already know what to expect. Obstacle course training provides a much-needed change of pace.
Those training for an event like Tough Mudder, Spartan Race, or Warrior Dash can benefit significantly from obstacle course training. This is mainly because the training mirrors what you can expect to experience both physically and mentally while participating in such competitions. Obstacle course training can also improve agility, balance, and endurance, all vital components of successfully completing a mud run.
James’ life purpose is coaching others to be the best version of themselves. His love for fitness started as a teenager through martial arts. James has completed 32 Spartan Races, and holds certifications in Strength and Conditioning, Youth Fitness Trainer, Fitness Nutrition, and Fitness Trainer through International Sports and Sciences Association.
Samantha Logoluso started her life of fitness at a very young age excelling in swimming through her college years and now enjoys competitive running with her mother along with challenging workouts. Samantha has her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and has been the owner of The Growing Patch Private Preschool for five years. Samantha has been married to her amazing husband for 11 years and together they have two wonderful boys (ages 9 and 7).
Cassidy lives and breathes the Hybrid Training lifestyle! As is Head Coach and Program Director, her passion is creating exciting and effective workouts and putting them into a well-rounded program for all levels to get (and stay) in the best shape of their lives. Cassidy is a member of the Spartan Race Pro Team and is the Champion of CMT’s Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge. Cassidy practices what she preaches…when she is not coaching, you can find her taking a class and setting a brutal pace!
Alexander Nicholas is the owner and founder of EPIC Hybrid Training. He is a fitness entrepreneur always looking for the next EPIC challenge.