HOW TO TRAIN FOR AN OBSTACLE-STYLE EVENT

With popular obstacle- and ninja-style shows taking over TV, you might be curious what it takes to become a part of the competition. A desire is the first step, and one expert ninja says this can springboard you quickly to the next level.

“’I want to try it.’ This is the first thing I said before exploring training,” says John Wilmas, best known as the stair ninja (@stair_ninja on Instagram). He participates in competitive stair climbing with a passion for charity climbs. He also has competed on American Ninja Warrior.

“Most people enter this sport with a simple desire to give it a try and have fun,” he says. “If that is you, I encourage you to give it a go. From there, you can take additional steps to develop your skills and hone your focus.”

Wilmas event: FIND A

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five

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beginning TRAINING GYM OR PARK

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obstacle-style

As the popularity of the shows has grown, so too has the desire for more obstacle-style training facilities. Research what is available in your area. Indoor gyms and outdoor obstacle parks featuring FitCore Extreme fitness equipment by Landscape Structures Inc. offers multiple fitness options available for children ages 5 to 12 and teens/adults ages 13 and over, so the whole family can participate. Learn more at www.playlsi.com. This equipment promotes wholebody fitness and agility with options for varied fitness and skill levels.

USE YOUR BODY WEIGHT AS A TRAINING TOOL

If you can’t find training opportunities within 30 minutes of your home, focus on body-weight training and calisthenics - the type of training gymnasts do - to build your skills. Keep in mind that even if you can bench a lot of weight, it’s not the same as holding your own body weight. Train by using your own body weight as resistance because that is what will be tested on many of the obstacles.

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