MUDDER MAKER

Think you're tough enough to be a Mudder?

Virgin Active have  teamed up with the 'Chief of Tough' to release the first ever obstacle class to get you Tough Mudder ready. It's a 45 minute  training class putting wannabe Mudders through a series of circuits and test their toughness.

 Each station is designed to mimic challenges typical of a Tough Mudder course to improve fitness, agility, stability and strength.  Classes are made up of 9 obstacles to be tackled in groups - like the original Tough Mudder - team work is the core value of the test - if you and your group make it through all 9 hurdles, you each face the final round; the 'Eliminator': where participants have to do as many reps as possible of a nominated bodyweight exercise, such as burpee. Intensity levels range from 'advanced' (8 rounds), 'intermediate' (6 rounds), and 'beginner' (4 rounds).

Don't expect to walk into a wet and muddy covered studio but,  don't expect to be let of lightly either. 

Here's some sample stations:

• Pulling and pushing a TiYR with your teams mates sat in it; don't think choosing the tiniest person in the group will make this easier... it doesn't...I tried.
• Holding a plank whilst passing an electrocuting ball to your team members; yep, you read that right, an electric shock. This move is sure to make you hard as nails.
• Holding a battle rope and crossing a ladder; arms BURNING.
• Lunges with a weighted ball; arms burning more...
• Bear crawls; this is a killer of a drill - and to think this is how you got around as a baby!
• Crossing hurdles; trying to maintain skill and agility after previous challenges is lot a harder than you may think. 
• Wall sits; legs burning too...
• Jumping on a Plyo box; you have to dig deep for those extra energy reserves. Try to not fall!
• Pushing a tackle shield covered instructor; this is the funnest part!
• Rowing with a ViPR; a move which involves sitting - AMEN!

The class is fun, challenging and like no other. A few classes and you'll be harder then a Chuck Norris- Hulk hybrid.