The modern gladiator is not one that bears brass knuckles or carries a shield. Instead, he or she will be donned appropriately in sportswear and a pair of grass-gripping shoes.
In two weeks, I will be participating in Camp Gladiator’s annual Gladiator Arena that will be held right here, in Dallas. It is a grueling 300-meter obstacle course that includes a 20-foot vertical cargo net climb, a nine-foot wall that must be scaled and ascending monkey bars.
How did obstacle courses come into being? Obstacle courses, like the Standard Obstacle Course (SOC) used in boot camps, physically condition military soldiers for combat. The limited time puts the mind under duress, similar to conditions during war. Outdoor obstacle courses are also pockmarked with mud puddles and large holes and are usually quite messy.
On television, shows like “Ninja Warrior” (also known as “Sasuke” in Japan) and “Gladiator” are the staples of a young man’s viewing schedule. We take thrills in watching others fail, and more importantly, we aspire to be that athlete who excels.
In terms of physical training, it’s best to focus on moving your body weight instead of sheer strength.
Trust me, that bench press is not going to be helpful when you’re crawling under a barbed-wire net. Instead, focus on your stamina through interval training and physical conditioning (push-ups and pulls-ups).
Morevover, it’s about mental toughness. Challenge yourself, and the sheer fact that you’ll succeed should be all the motivation you need.
So do you dare? Try your hand at the Camp Gladiator’s Arena Oct. 9 at Anderson Bonner Park.
Registration is limited to the first 1,000 people, and information can be found at www.campgladiator.com.