Newbie Gym Bunny

Carnivorekat
Carnivorekat Posts: 370 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Just about to enter into the world of the Gym, I am starting to train for a Tough Mudder event next August and have a lot of work to do to get fit enough to do this, just wanted to ask what do you think I should aim to do workout wise at first, and where should I be building to -am intending doing weight training in the Gym and lots of walking outdoors with a view to running when I feel ready.

Am thinking I probably need to aim at 3 Gym sessions a week with 5 days of walking Cardio - does this seem too big a task to begin with or about right?

Replies

  • mhart21
    mhart21 Posts: 4
    That sounds really good :)
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Hey Bunny.

    Sounds like a good plan. I would start with short sessions at first, especially with the strength training.. Try to follow an established lifting program, as opposed to creating your own. There is one in my profile, or try New Rules of Lifting for Women.
  • Hezzietiger1
    Hezzietiger1 Posts: 1,256 Member
    functional training will be your best friend..

    Tough mudder.. gotta be able to run, gotta be able to climb, gotta be able to pull yourself up, gotta be able to swim, gotta be able to go under and over things, gotta have good balance.

    That being said...

    Download couch25k and start running/walking with a plan
    squats, lunges, pullups, shoulder presses, climb ropes, jump a lot, swing heavy things (kettle bells), swim a little, bear crawls, military crawls, and lots and lots of burpees.
  • fivethreeone
    fivethreeone Posts: 8,196 Member
    You might not be ready for this yet, but the Tough Mudder needs a lot of trail work. Don't prep for a Mudder on a treadmill or on a road. That's my main advice.
  • Stage14
    Stage14 Posts: 1,046 Member
    I think how much lifting you do will depend on the program you're using, but 3 times a week is a good goal. I definitely recommend finding a good progressive lifting program like StrongLifts 5x5 or New Rules of Lifting for Women. I also wouldn't plan on doing quite so much cardio, because you will need repair time from the lifting and also need recovery time between cardio workouts. Taking on too much too fast is a recipe for burnout or injury. If you're wanting to work your way up to running, I would do 2 weeks of walking 3 days a week, then start a program like Couch to 5k or Couch to 10K. This will condition your body to running and give you 30ish minutes of cardio 3 days a week with a purpose and goal. It's like progressive strength training for your lungs and heart. Once you become an adequate runner and build some base strength, you can start working on trail runs, obstacle courses, etc.
    Whatever you decide to do, good luck and have fun!
  • JamieH1984
    JamieH1984 Posts: 86 Member
    Expect to be sore the first couple times. It will suck but if you're sore then it's working right!? Kettlebells are great and burn a bunch of calories in a short amount of time (from the research I've done 20 a minute.) Short sessions to begin with and never do the same workout back to back. Shake things up with your routine to keep your body from getting used to your workouts too soon. I agree with the commentor that suggested functional training too. I've not done a Tough Mudder yet but it makes sense to me to train for the event you are going to be doing. Maybe see if pintrest.com can help you out too.
  • Carnivorekat
    Carnivorekat Posts: 370 Member
    Thanks everyone, some fantastic advice, will definitely take a look at all you have suggested - have a PT session today so will discuss with him too and the guy who is putting together out team for the Tough Mudder is a PT too so will get lots of advice from him - will be sensible to avoid the burnout and injury but looking forward to having a goal to work towards

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