Mud obstacle events can be rascals, there’s no point in playing it down. Participants must contend with cold water, monkey bars, slides, sandbags and all manner of nasties, so it’s a good idea to get the body fully prepped for what’s in store.
- Dynamic warm ups, where you are not static, are the best preparation for a mud obstacle race
- Exos says obstacle races require both strength and cardiovascular endurance, combining running with climbing ropes and walls, slithering under cargo nets and barbed wire, carrying sandbags and logs, leaping over fire, and crawling through claustrophobia-inducing tubes and freshly-dug tunnels. So a proper warm up is essential if you want to make it through the course
- Don’t forget to do some cool down stretches after the event too so you avoid feeling too stiff the next day
Most mud and obstacle events carry out a mass warm-up to get everyone in the spirit both mentally and physically. If not, you will need to know how to warm up for a mud obstacle race so try this obstacle-specific warm-up routine from none other than the American National Guard − they know a thing or two about fitness they do.
If you’re tackling a tricky obstacle course with uneven terrain, then this dynamic warm-up is the perfect preparation. It’s eerily silent so play some loud music over the top to spice it up a bit.
Dynamic Warm Up – Mud Warrior by BOSU
Finally, take a look at the full ten-minute mass warm-up from one of last year’s Tough Mudder events, just so you know what you’re letting yourself in for.