Friday 25 September 2015

Extreme Obstacle Training sessions

water, distance, crawls, sprints, climbs, hangs and, just when you think you're done, electricity and deep mud! All normal torture tricks at Tough Mudder

A forest workout can take place in the least likely places!
This autumn sees the relaunch of our woodland and beach based obstacle training sessions, designed to toughen gym bodies up in preparation for upcoming OCR events such as Tough Mudder, Spartan, Warrior and the many others that are exploding onto the event/fitness scene at the moment.




tree work
race prep for Warrior

Sessions commence at the edge of the beautiful Houghton Forest just outside of Arundel where a 5 mile natural woodland course has been mapped out.  Autumn brings lots of challenges such as sticky mud, nettles, brambles and slipperly leaves but also offers lots of cushiony leaf beds as our natural crash mats!  The woodland section lasts from 60-90 minutes and incorporates climbing technique, breakfalling, hill sprints, mud crawls, balance work, log carrying (team and solo), branch relays, forest flow work, nettle sprints, height training, throwing practice, partner carries, calisthenics (burpees, squats, presses etc.) all interspersed amongst the 5 mile run



can you get the height to get over the fire?
deep mud awaits
Houghton hosts a nice cafe where the group can relax for a short break and take on board their chosen replenishment before we head down to the beach for another testing session combining bar work, hanging, water aclimatisation, beach sprints, balance, fight training, precision jumps, wall work and (subject to tides/water conditions) swims.

forest obstacle course
session ready to go
post race - we made it!
vine climbs
team relays
deer sprints with the hounds
By the end of the session participants should feel ready to take on most challenges thrown at them during the various competitions/events and will have gained an insight into the possibilities and breadth of working in an outdoor environment.

need to get those backsides down for the crawls!
the girls laughing through the pain
beach toy!







Tough Mudder pre comp pose!

In total sessions last from 2-3 hours depending on the weather, water conditions and group mix (we never leave anyone behind lol).  A nice mug of hot chocolate in the local cafe to wind down at the end before heading off home ready to take on your challenge!


crawling and more crawling!
race time


target practice in prep for Spartan
up and over - if the branch holds!












Sessions run on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the autumn/winter months and cost £62 (£29 Living Social deal).

To sign up simply call Rod on 07917 608278 for availability

Follow up 3 day courses are also available!


Monday 15 June 2015

I love coffee but hate the negative side affects - could this be the answer?

As well as training people I partook in the recent Ninja Warrior TV show and regularly partake in events such as Tough Mudder and so I thought I would see how this affected my performance - after all I love a good coffee and have always felt a niggle of guilt when enjoying one - what with the negative health benefits.  I have to say that I was blown away - the coffee and Green Tea not only taste good but gave me an instant buzz as soon as I swallowed the first mouthful!  

My PB's have improved and my recovery times have reduced as well.  The red tea is has a second active ingredient called Coryceps which increase ATP production and stimulates muscle growth - ideal for sports people and an excellent pre workout drink.

We have just received our sample packs and ready to start spreading the word about these fantastic drinks.  If you like tea or coffee but don't like the negative health benefits then maybe give this a go!

All drinks are infused with Ganoderma which has long been know in |Chinese medicine as the King of Medicines due to the vast array of healthy side affects.  The mushroom is also known as Reishi in Japanese medicine has a number of benefits including:


  • Reduction of Acidity in the body (Acidity is the perfect breeding ground for a number of diseases including cancer and hepatitis)
  • High levels of active anti-oxidents (important for stressful workout regimes as these fighr free radicals that can contribute to aging)
  • Oxygenates the body
  • Boosts the immune system
  • Increases stamina


In addition the red tea contains Cordyceps which may increase ATP levels (this generates explosive power in sports) and revs up libido and stamina!


Contact us if you would like to try free  a sample.

Friday 8 May 2015

Training for Ninja Warrior

This year I took on the Ninja Warrior UK course.  Currently most of my training is outdoor/obstacle based in the sea and forests of West Sussex - my training stood me in good stead as I surprised myself at what I was able make my body do at a recent pop up obstacle course using similar obstacles to that seen on the TV show. 

Whilst on the set and subsequently I have had the chance to meet up and train alongside dozens of calisthenic athletes, free runners, parkour experts and gymnasts from around the UK.  This has inspired me to supplement my training with these styles of workout to see how much further I can push myself for future OCR events and for next years Ninja Warrior show.


How did I get on at the NW comp?  You'll have to wait and see :@)

Rod

Wednesday 6 May 2015

Obstacle course training camps

For those out there who, like us, love the extreme challenges of obstacle racing such as 'Spartan', 'Tough Mudder', 'Warrior Run' and, in our opinion, the Daddy of them all - 'Tough Guy', a relevant training regime is a must.


When we say training, of course you will need to get the miles in and, of course, you will need to get down the gym and shift some Iron - however, relevant training really needs to train you to work outside of your usual comfort zones.  Forget running on the treadmill and think sprinting through the forest.  Forget lat pull-downs and think climbing - walls, rocks, trees.  Forget crunches and think throwing stuff like big boulders and logs.  You will need to train yourself at height too and in the water, preferably cold, muddy, stinky water.  And let's not forget pain - electric shocks, nettles, brambles, barbed wire and grazes.

If all of this is not for you then - well, better to pull out now.  If you're still up for it then get out there and get creative!



For those that want to be pushed that little further we are offering a series of Obstacle training camps - 3 days of intensive training encompassing everything from balance skills to carrying, combat, open water and forest navigation.  The camps are designed to be either a kick-start for racers to take away ideas to incorporate into their own routines or for those who feel that they have reached a plateau and maybe want to their butts kicked just a little bit further than their local 'Boot Camp'.

We are also offering 1 day tasters for those who are not sure whether the Obstacle Challenges are for them - come along and try out a short days training and make up your mind whether going home with 1 trainer missing, mud up your nose and bloody knees are markers of a good day or not!

For pricing take a look at our pricing page.  Dates will be running throughout the year depending on take-up.