CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: Tough Mudder is currently on the hunt for volunteers and will be donating $100 to Legacy Australia (its charity partner) for every person that volunteers. Visit the Tough Mudder website for details.

Tough Mudder has partnered with renowned fitness expert and personal trainer Lee Campbell to help Aussie Mudders prepare for its events.

“Tough Mudder is probably the toughest event on the planet, so you need to be ready to take on the challenge. Not only is there 20kms to run around the course, you’ll also be tested by 20-30 military-style obstacles that will challenge you mentally and physically. So, if you haven’t already started training, now is the time to get going!” Campbell said.

Campbell has more than 20 years’ experience in the fitness industry. At the age of 19, Campbell became one of the Australian Army’s elite Physical Training Instructors. With his unique back–to-basics approach to fitness, Campbell has trained some of country’s best athletes and well-known celebrities. He has also appeared on numerous television programs, including a role as the trainer on Channel Nine’s Celebrity Overhaul series and BIG - Extreme Makeover.

“Tough Mudder events are designed to test all-around fitness, which means training for the event is part of the challenge,” said Campbell.

Lee Campbell's Tough Mudder Training Tips

At a minimum, Campbell recommends that participants be able to run approximately five kilometres, do 10 to 15 push-ups and swim for 25 metres non-stop.

To help Mudders prepare for the event, there are Tough Mudder training programs suitable for people of all fitness levels.

“The Tough Mudder boot camp training plans are ideal for people who have no idea where to start and need to get in shape for the event,” said Campbell.

“These programs provide a well-rounded routine to work out the core areas of fitness that are required to complete a Tough Mudder course.”

To further complement the Tough Mudder training plans, Campbell recommends a combination of cardio and body-weight exercises.

“The course is about 20 kilometres long, so cardio should be an important part of your training. This is easily achieved through running, cycling or swimming. If you’re time-poor, aim for four quick, 20 minute sessions each week, or if you have more time on your hands, aim for two longer sessions, between 30 minutes to an hour.”

“You’ll also need to improve your upper-body strength to help get you through certain obstacles like the ‘Berlin Walls’, which are three-metre high walls, and the ‘Funky Monkey’, which involves climbing across greased monkey bars over a pit of ice-cold water. The training programs include exercises that will help develop the strength required to conquer these obstacles, but you can also supplement with push-ups, tricep-dips and chin-ups,” said Campbell.

Unlike other endurance events where participants compete as individuals, the Tough Mudder course is designed to be a team challenge. Because of this, participants are encouraged to train with their team mates to help keep them motivated and build camaraderie before the event.

“Tough Mudder is all about camaraderie and helping out your team mates so what better way to train for the event than with your teammates? Working out together means you’ll be able to keep each other motivated during training, and you’ll also know each other’s strengths and weaknesses when you get to the day of the event. You’ll be ready for the challenge and the experience will be even more enjoyable when you’ve conquered the challenge with your mates,” said Campbell.

Location: Glenworth Valley, NSW