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Article Category: News

News

13 Ways to Stay on Track

Author: Allie Natoli August 4, 2021
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Rallied the squad – check!

Picked a cool team name – check!

Completed registration – check!

Researched the obstacles online and planned an attack strategy – check!

Now comes the hard part – waiting.

Tough Mudder is still a few months away and it can be a challenge to ride that wave of excitement through the months from event entry to course end.

Fortunately, the Tough Mudder community is a deep well of genius tips and tricks for staying motivated and keeping that training plan on track in the lead up to the main event.

 

  1. Put on your workout gear. Half the battle is finding the motivation to get up off the couch. Once your sneakers are on, it’s only a few short steps until you’re out the front door and on your way.

 

  1. Make a rewards chart. Channel your inner child and celebrate each workout. Pepper a poster-sized chart with sparkly stickers or colour-code your calendar. Either way, mark those motivational milestones.

 

  1. Pay per class. It’s easy to ignore a gym membership when you pay up-front or set and forget a regular direct debit. Paying for individual classes has a physical and visible dollar amount attached to it so you’re less likely to blow them off.

 

  1. Follow the crowd. Just like the Tough Mudder course, nothing motivates you more than having other people around. If you’re a solo runner, join a running group too. If you use a personal trainer or workout at home, mix it up with group fitness classes.

 

  1. End on a cliffhanger. Swap your workout beats for an Audiobook or podcast. You’ll have to keep coming back for another session if you want to discover how the story ends/whether your true crime theory was correct.

 

  1. Rope in your friends. Friday drinks are so outdated, lace up and take a twilight run instead. Round up your posse and hit the barre, instead of the bar or work up an appetite and tackle the stairs before you tackle weekend brunch.

 

  1. Find your jam. Why keep running if your body wants to dance? Why shut yourself in a gym when the pool beckons? There’s no point training if you don’t enjoy it. Find a workout that floats your boat and the motivation will come naturally.

 

  1. Baby steps. Break it down and set yourself micro-challenges to get through a workout. A 5km run becomes a jog to the corner, then to the next letterbox, then to the traffic lights, then to the next street. Smash your workout, step-by-step.

 

  1. Make it fun. Get silly. Swap a cardio session for a No Lights, No Lycra rave; bypass the studio for the pub’s Beer Yoga session; or get your Walking Dead geek on with the Zombies, Run! app. Because nothing will get your blood pumping and your body moving like the sound of the undead breathing down your neck.

 

  1. Order ahead. Start at your favourite café and pre-order a coffee or smoothie for when your workout finishes. If you have to stick around until it’s ready, you may as well train.

 

  1. #nofilter. No motivation to run? Pick a scenic running route and treat yourself to a photo break every 1km. Your Instagram will love you for it.

 

  1. Sleep in it. Wear your activewear to bed. Not only will it make early morning training sessions easier to deal with – especially in winter – you’ll feel pretty silly if you have to peel your workout clothes off without actually working out.

 

  1. Winning at life. Bored at the gym? Secretly compete with whoever is exercising beside you. Lift 1kg more, add one more set, row 100m further. Life isn’t a competition… or is it?
News

5 Reasons Why Your Corporate Teams Should Sign-up for Tough Mudder

Author: Allie Natoli August 4, 2021
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Team building exercise – just hearing that phrase can trigger the urge to pull a sicky.

 

Too often these exercises are forced, tedious and repetitive and leave you feeling none the wiser about your team, let alone how to… err… build it.

 

It’s a shame because, done properly, team activities can create cohesion in the workplace and bond you and your workmates together.

 

With this in mind, why not get your hands dirty – and everywhere else for that matter – and try something outside your comfort zone by signing up your corporate team for the next Tough Mudder!

 

Not only will it throw you and your crew into the trenches together – literally – Tough Mudder also has a slew of spin-off benefits that you just won’t find on a golf course.

 

  1. Ditch The Desk for The Dirt

Research shows sitting at a work desk all day can have serious negative health implications, with weight gain and chronic back and neck pain among the more serious side effects. Scheduling Tough Mudder practice before and after work provides an excuse for yourself and your colleagues to get moving and work out those computer kinks.

 

  1. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work 

Tough Mudder pushes you and your co-workers to the limit. If you can guide each other through pools of head-freeze-inducing iced water, or rock and roll your way through rotating barriers in puddles of mud together, you can do anything!

 

  1. Distressed? De-stress.

Unsurprisingly, the workplace is a known hotspot for stress.  Fortunately, exercise is proven to naturally reduce stress levels by increasing endorphin levels and improving overall mood. Tough Mudder is focused squarely on exercise and physical activity so the entire workplace can start dialling down those stress levels together.

 

  1. Unity Community 

Working up a sweat with your desk buddies has huge benefits. For starters, it’s easier to stick to a training plan when you’ve got Kevin from finance keeping you accountable or Denise from the call centre to match your pace. Squad training can spur you on and smashing Tough Mudder’s legendary obstacles will bind you as a team – and provide the perfect, mud-spattered team photograph to display in the boardroom!

 

  1. Employee Productivity 

Sitting at a desk or repeating the same work tasks can lead to inertia. It’s hard to stay motivated when your work routine is the same, day in and day out. Studies have long shown the benefits to productivity and focus when workers get their blood pumping with exercise. Start the weekday on a high with a spot of Tough Mudder training, shake off the stress with a post-work workout or grab your colleagues and clear your mind with some light lunchtime cardio.

 

VIP Group & Corporate Team Packages are also available.

 

So, what are you waiting for? Click here to registration your team for upcoming Melbourne and Sydney Tough Mudder Events

News

Mighty Mudder Mason: Queensland’s Youngest Tough Mudder Competitor

Author: Allie Natoli August 4, 2021
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Putting to bed the age-old debate over whether Mudders are born or bred, this year we threw it to Mudders-in-the-Making and lowered the entry age to 14.

Unsurprisingly, Queensland came out swinging for the inaugural Year of the Young, with 281 Mudders under the age of 18 taking part. One of SEQ’s heroes was Cleveland local legend Mason Pavic, whose 14th birthday collided with Tough Mudder SEQ – how’s that for stars aligning?

As our youngest ever Mudder, Mason dived in head first, tackling the full 16km with that extra ‘extra’ seen only in those experiencing muddy glory for the first time.

We caught up with Mason to find out how he fared, his favourite obstacles of the 8 newies, and his thoughts on whether age plays a factor in recovery (spoiler alert: you’re going to feel #inspired).

 

So Mason, explain to us how it feels to complete your first ever Tough Mudder?

Really good – I felt like it was quite a good accomplishment and I just felt really fit and strong.

 

We hear that you’re a budding triathlete. What part of the course was your favourite and what did you find most challenging?

My favourite was the hanging and climbing parts, but they were also the hardest. I didn’t do any specific training for Tough Mudder, just my regular training as a triathlete.

 

Can you let us in on any of your tips, tricks or techniques?

Keep running and don’t be worried about the obstacles – just do it!

 

What was your Tough Mudder training regime?

I just did my usual triathlon training – a lot of running, swimming, riding and some strength and core stuff. I do most of my training outside, but add in some gym. Riding is my favourite way to train. The longest distance I’ve ever ridden is 70km. With my local Starfish club, I recently did a charity swim, and swam 100 x 100m laps in the pool – that’s 10km and took me more than 3 hours.

 

Who or what inspired you to take on Tough Mudder this year?

My dad inspired me. It’s because of him that I’ve always wanted to do a Tough Mudder because he always finds it really fun. He’s done it 5 or 6 times now, and we’re looking forward to doing it again next year.

 

Who ended up competing with you, and who fell in the mud the most?

It was with my dad and a bunch of 10 guys called The Mud Pack. They do it every year. It’s friends of friends, family, friends of the family and that kind of thing. It’s a lot of fun and we all got pretty muddy.

 

What would you say to other Young Mudders looking to give it a go?

Just go for it!

 

Was Tough Mudder a good way to celebrate your 14th birthday?

The atmosphere was really cool and way better than just sitting at home like I normally do on my birthday.

 

What dinner-of-birthday-champions did you demolish after all that hard work?

We were all pretty tired so we ended up getting Domino’s – a lot of it!

 

Mason is proof that, when it comes to taking the Muddy oath, age is no barrier. So what are you waiting for – Tough Mudder Sydney and Melbourne are on sale, FIND YOUR EVENT NOW

 

News

MUDDER MOTIVATION – WHAT PROMPTED REAL-LIFE MUDDERS TO TAKE THE PLUNGE

Author: Allie Natoli August 4, 2021
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Whether it’s a bucket list goal, an epic fitness journey, a way to raise awareness for a particular cause, for a laugh with friends, because of peer pressure, for a free mud mask or simply a plot to make money for the at-home ‘swear jar’, Tough Mudder has got your back… All covered in mud.

 

We caught up with some real-life Mudders to find out their ‘why’ for taking on the world’s most famous obstacle course.

 

FOR THE FITNESS

 

Shernya, 20, Indooroopilly

“I have decided to get back into fitness and will be embarking on an 8-week challenge to get fit. I want to take on Tough Mudder as a challenge to myself.”

 

Vivian, 59, Bald Hills

“A bucket list story. Some years ago I saw senior hockey players had taken part in Tough Mudder. It looked like something only young men did. About three years ago, Amanda turned up at gym wearing a Tough Mudder t-shirt and even then at age 56 it seemed like a pipe dream. What a gratifying feeling to complete Tough Mudder last weekend… Such a journey with Anchor Training and all the people I met there. I’m sure I’m a lot fitter and stronger for it. So having completed Tough Mudder Half last year and the Full this year, I’m ready to do it all again.”

 

Aaron, 21, Shepparton North

“It gives us something to train for, so motivation at the gym and for fitness in general. As well as being a great time with all of the guys banding together to help each other succeed.”

 

Lisa, 43, Mt Gravatt

“After having reactive arthritis in one knee and not being able to bend my leg for almost a year, I needed something to motivate me into regaining my fitness, and nothing better than doing that with a group of work mates!”

 

 

FOR A CAUSE

 

Kelly, 30, Springwood

“We lost our nephew last year to suicide at just 15 years of age. We used Tough Mudder in 2018 as a platform to help raise awareness of this current issue. With 170 people joining our team last year, we hope to increase this number and increase awareness of teen suicide.”

 

Megan, 45, Cooran

“To raise funds and awareness to a cause close to my heart. My close friend’s son Alec has Sanfilippo, a rare genetic condition that robs children of a long and fulfilling life. I want to do everything in my power to help to find a cure for Alec and other children in his position.”

 

Scott, 34, Ormeau

“I am doing it to raise funds for Cure Brain Cancer. My sister was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer at Christmas and I want to try and raise as much money as I can for research to potentially save many lives and hopefully one day find a cure.”

 

 

FOR THE LOVE OF YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

 

Benjamin, 20, Bellara

“My sister rang me up and asked if I’d like to know what it feels like to be a pig in s#&t, and I was the dumbass who said ‘Why not’? So here I am, signing up to cause myself pain. Let’s go team!”

 

Jodee, 51, Beaconsfield

“Joannnn made me do it!”

 

Dominic, 54, Capalaba

“My two girls have watched me over the years and would now like to do one with me.”

 

 

FOR SOMETHING FUN AND DIFFERENT

 

Kimberly, 29, Forest Glen

“My fantasy is to roll around in the mud naked while my hunky husband chases me wearing nothing but overalls and a straw hat…”

 

Melissa, 35, Tarragindi

“It was so much fun! Tough Mudder gives me motivation to maintain and increase my fitness and allows me to extend myself in ways I wouldn’t usually. I also love the camaraderie on the day – Mudder for life!”

 

Brenda, 43, Littabella

“It is just a really good day that helps us to conquer some of our fears and to face challenges that we think we are not capable of but we prove ourselves wrong.”

 

 

What’s your ‘Why’? Share it with us below.

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News

MUDDER MYTHS BUSTED

Author: Allie Natoli August 4, 2021
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When we’re talking ‘Expert Level’ Mudder, few can compare to Damian “Damo” Schulz – one half of Australian Tough Mudder royalty, The Pharaohs, who hold the current Australian record for most Mudders conquered (49!).

 

This kind of pedigree is unmatched, so we summoned Damo to help bust some of the common myths associated with the world’s most famous obstacle course.

 

Myth #1: You have to complete all the obstacles  

“You can skip obstacles, that’s why Tough Mudder has bypass lanes. There will be challenging obstacles especially ones involving water or electricity. As the saying goes: if you can’t swim, don’t go in the water. You can always ask your teammates or other Mudders for assistance and encouragement at obstacles. You should try to complete as many obstacles as you realistically can – that’s part of facing your fears and completing a Tough Mudder.”

 

Myth #2: You have to be a marathoner to take part  

“To complete a Tough Mudder you do not need to be a long distance runner. To complete the Classic course you should be comfortable running 8-10 kms at a time without having a meltdown. There’s also the new option of completing the Tough Mudder 5K event if you want the obstacles without all the running.”

 

Myth #3: You need to run 16km non-stop

“A Tough Mudder course is interspersed with military-style obstacles so you will not be running the full distance non-stop. The maximum non-stop distance will be 2-3 kms and most times will be shorter than that. Another thing to keep in mind is that Tough Mudder events are not timed, so if you can’t go on and need to take a break, walk for a bit.”

 

Myth #4: You can’t run it alone

“You can’t convince anyone else to run a Tough Mudder with you? Don’t worry, other Mudders on the course will be there to lend a hand for obstacles that can’t be completed solo. Also, it’s not uncommon for people to find and join teams during the course. There’s something about struggling through the mud together that brings out the camaraderie amongst Mudders.”

 

Myth #5: Tough Mudder is only for elite athletes

“Tough Mudder is an event that can be completed by anyone with a general level of fitness. Yeah, there may be times when you are pushed beyond your comfort zone, but with the rush of adrenaline and encouragement of your fellow Mudders you will push through to the finish line.”

 

Myth #6: It’s dangerous

“Safety is paramount to Tough Mudder and all obstacles are tested and approved before an event. As with all physical activity events, injuries do occur so it helps to prepare as best you can and know your physical limitations. No awards for trying obstacles that are beyond your capability but most are achievable with some assistance.”

 

Myth #7: Tough Mudder is only for young people

“Tough Mudder is an event that is open to anyone 14 years and older (those aged under 18 must have a chaperone who is 18+). There are many Mudders who have started their fitness journey later in life who enjoy the challenges and fun of Tough Mudder.”

 

Myth #8: I’ve left it too late to start training

“It’s never too late to start training. Tough Mudder Classic requires a general level of fitness but remember, it’s not a timed race so you can take it at your own pace. For those who don’t feel they have the required level of fitness for the Tough Mudder Classic there is always the Tough Mudder 5K event. Complete the 5K event this year and start training to complete the Classic next year.”

 

Myth #9: I’ll never get rid of the mud…

“There’s one guarantee from a Tough Mudder event – you’ll get muddy. The mud will be through your clothes and shoes and in places you didn’t think mud could go. There are showers and change facilities in the Tough Mudder Village to get rid of most of the mud. The mud from a Tough Mudder event will eventually wash away but the memories of the day will remain for a long time.”

 

Registrations for the Tough Mudder Classic and Tough Mudder 5K are available now. FIND YOUR EVENT HERE.

News

OUR TOP-PICK TEAM NAMES: DID YOURS MAKE THE CUT?

Author: Allie Natoli August 4, 2021
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Contrary to popular belief, laughter is the second best medicine – after mud of course. We’re lucky that we get both by the bucket load.

 

When it comes to LOLs, few things tickle us more than fresh Team Names hitting our registration inbox. So we’ve compiled a collection of the funniest, punniest, and downright ridiculous team names taking on Tough Mudder SEQ in May.

 

  1. TOUGH MUDDER FECKERS

 

There’s no better place to meet the Feckers than at Tough Mudder SEQ, and Team Captain Josephine is ready to greet new friends with open arms.

 

“Tough Mudder Feckers was born from the determination of an Italian mother and Irish fecker who worked hard, play hard and most importantly laugh hard.”

 

  1. MUDDY UNDIES

 

Disclaimer: don’t wear your fave pair because you can bet your bottom dollar they’ll never be the same. Muddy Undies’ Team Captain Sam can vouch.

 

“Our name came about during some brainstorming one afternoon over beers. It’s pretty self-explanatory I guess. Every year we need to make the decision on whether to wash or dump our gear, and that includes those glorious, wet, mud-covered underpants.”

 

  1. THE YOUNG AND THE BREATHLESS

 

Forget ridiculous plot lines, this one’s as simple as they come according to Team Captain Scott.

 

“We’re just a bunch of ageing guys trying to re-live our fitness and determination of our yesteryears. We’re still young, but we run out puff quickly.”

 

  1. BANGERS AND MASH

 

No, it’s not the name of one of our eight new obstacles; Australia’s unofficial national dish inspired Team Captain Rodney when branding his squad.  

 

“We’re Aussies through and through, and every Aussie loves their bangers and mash. It just so happened I was eating bangers and mash when trying to decide on a name.”

 

  1. DIRTY HARRY

 

While there are no members of this team actually called Harry, Team Captain Bianca says it was a no-brainer.

 

“Growing up, my Pop wore a Clint Eastwood Dirty Harry t-shirt. And when choosing a name for a Tough Mudder team – the t-shirt came to mind. Dirty Harry. Perfection.”

 

 

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

 

  1. COLDPLAY SUCKS

 

Karma will get ‘ya when you’re left singing “Fix You” to your sore limbs over a post-Mudder frothie.

 

  1. TIGHT BUTTS AND SWEATY NUTS

 

Even more challenging than Everest is not visualising tight butts and sweaty nuts right now…

 

  1. HOW I MET YOUR MUDDER

 

The old mother/mudder swap-out never disappoints.

 

  1. MUDPIT AND CHILL

 

Forget Netflix and Chill; Tough Mudder offers a new kind of filthy.

 

  1. BIN CHICKENS

 

Named after the humble White Ibis, who won’t stay white for long on the course.

 

Got an epic team name to add to the mix? Share it with us!

 

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News

HUMANS OF TOUGH MUDDER: MEET THE YOUNG AT HEART CLUB

Author: Allie Natoli August 4, 2021
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Think Tough Mudder is just for muscled marathoners and late-20s gym junkies? Think again! More than 300 fierce over 50s are confirmed to take part at next month’s Tough Mudder SEQ, proving age is certainly no barrier to getting down and dirty. Meet some of this year’s inspirational Mature Mudders.

 

Name: Terry

Age: 72

Location: Beerwah

Mudders Completed: 2

“About three years ago I was overweight and unfit. My daughters always keep me up to date on what they’re up to and if I feel like it, I’ll join in. They’d been doing Tough Mudder for about five years so I decided to give it a go too. I got hooked.

This will be my third year in a row. It’s a fantastic thing. As a result of training for Tough Mudder I feel so much better and I’m able to do everyday things better. I used to have arthritis and I don’t get that anymore; my blood pressure is better; I don’t get gout anymore.

I guarantee, if some of these oldies got off their backsides they’d be feeling a hell of a lot better. You’re at the age now when you can start doing stuff.

You need to have a goal if you want to achieve it. Set yourself a goal of a time limit or a certain number of obstacles you want to complete. Push yourself just one step further than you have before. My goal this year is trying to run up the hills.

What I love is that everyone gives me a hand…That’s the best part of Tough Mudder – everyone looks out for each other.”

 

(bottom 3 from left)

Name: Sharon

Age: 52

Location: Agnes Waters

Mudders Completed: 1

“I lost my daughter Amber to renal failure in October 2017. Her twin sister Dannielle wanted to start something in her memory. Even though Amber struggled with her health, she was still very active in awareness-raising and fundraising. She was out to help other people more than herself.

In 2018, we decided to do Tough Mudder to raise awareness about kidney disease and funds for Kidney Australia. Our team was called “Just Kidneying Around” in honour of Amber. She had a really weird sense of humour; she always saw the funny side of things. We raised nearly $4,000 in our first year and hope to top that this year.

When I heard about Tough Mudder, I thought it was just this big challenge for fit people. But when I did it, it was just about having fun and making a fool of myself. I blew the ass out of my pants last year. This year, I’m going to wear three layers!

The way I look at it, age is what you let it be. If you tell yourself you’re old, you’ll be old. If you want to be young, you’ll be young.”

 

(5 from left)

Name: Marian

Age: 62

Location: Carindale

Mudders Completed: 1

“I’m an anesthetist at Redlands Hospital in Queensland. My department did our first Tough Mudder last year as a team-building exercise. There were about 10 of us, with me being the oldest. It certainly bridged the age gap for me which I love. This year we’ve got a new team including some first-timers. One of our team mates has a Down Syndrome child so we’ll be raising money for Down Syndrome.

When I told my family I was doing Tough Mudder they thought I was crazy. They said I was too old, and I thought, ‘I’m going to show them!’. I did, and I’m doing it again. I’m doing a little bit of preparation but it’s not that important. It’s not a race or a competition, it’s just something for fun. If you approach it from that point of view, you’ll love it.

I’m excited for the new obstacles this year, but also to see how we’re going to manage the full course. Last year we went in not knowing what to expect, but this year we’ve got knowledge and experience. It’s good to know that if you’ve got your team with you anything is possible. And not just your own team, but the other teams too. You’re all in it together.

My advice for Mudder Virgins is to just have fun and live the day. The whole experience is just fantastic.”

 

Name: Anne Dicton

Age: 62

Location: Townsville

Mudders Completed: 2

“I got roped into Tough Mudder by my daughter and her partner, who’s a personal trainer. At first I was like, ‘Oh shit! I can’t do that!’ It was definitely taking me out of my comfort zone. It took a little bit of convincing, but in the end I just thought, you’ve got to accept the challenge. If you don’t, you’ll think ‘Why didn’t I?’ and you’ll be forever wondering about it.

I was most concerned about the obstacles but when I saw what they actually are it just looked like a whole lot of fun. My first Tough Mudder was in Brisbane at Mount Cotton in May. I was still apprehensive standing at the start line but once I got into it the worry disappeared. I absolutely loved it. So much so that I got talked into doing the next one in Melbourne.

I enjoyed it all. I enjoyed the mud, I enjoyed the water, I even enjoyed Arctic Enema! I face-planted in the mud during Electro Shock Therapy. My daughter was standing at the end of it with tears of laughter. In Melbourne, I didn’t go anywhere near it.

I’m really proud to be one of more than 300 ‘Mature Mudders’ taking on the challenge in Queensland next month. To me, age doesn’t define who you are or what you can achieve.”

 

Create your own Tough Mudder memories by registering today! Find out more.

 

News

LEGEND STORY: THOMAS SUTTIE

Author: Allie Natoli August 4, 2021
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In October 2017, 29-year-old Thomas Suttie was in a hospital ICU ward, learning to walk again after setbacks following a bilateral lung transplant.

Just 12 months later, the Queenslader entered the Tough Mudder Book of Legends, when he and best mate Jordan road-tripped to Sydney to tackle Tough Mudder for the first time.

“We’d always planned to do Tough Mudder and started talking about it about a decade ago but I just got too sick to do it,” Thomas, who has cystic fibrosis, said.

“I had a really complicated surgery, a lot of things went wrong and I only started learning to walk again 12 months before we took on Tough Mudder.”

“My main goal was just being able to finish, but when we hit the course, nothing seemed impossible.

“I’ll admit though, it was a lot muddier than I was expecting!”

Living proof that the only obstacle is yourself, Jordan’s epic story attests there is no barrier to taking on the world’s filthiest and funnest adult obstacle course.

His advice for Mudder Virgins preparing to take the challenge in 2019? “Just give everything a go. There’s nothing that’s super hard – you’ll be surprised at what you can do.”

Create your own Tough Mudder Legend Story by registering today! Find out more.

 

News

Exercise Your Way to Good Mental Health – Beyond Blue

Author: Allie Natoli August 4, 2021
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Proudly Supporting Beyond Blue

You already know how good exercise is for your physical health. But you might be surprised by how good exercise is for your mental health. Studies show that for treating mild-moderate depression, exercise can be as effective as talking therapy and medication.

There are many ways that exercise positively influences your mental health:

  • Promotes the release of feel-good chemicals in your brain, like endorphins and serotonin.
  • It helps you sleep better so you rest fully at night and feel more energised during the day.
  • Gives you a sense of accomplishment as your fitness improves and you start achieving your goals.
  • Exercise is usually a shared activity with others so you get the added benefits of social connection.

To reap these benefits, it’s generally recommended you do 30 minutes of ‘vigorous’ exercise at least five times a week. Vigorous just means you’re putting in enough effort that it’s hard to have a conversation while you’re exercising.

Don’t get disheartened if these guidelines feel unachievable. It’s important to remember that while more exercise is better than less – any exercise is better than no exercise.

Of course, the hardest part is getting started. Especially if you’re experiencing a mental health condition like depression, where the idea of just getting out of bed can seem hard enough. Exercise can play a major part in and should be in your treatment or management plan.

If you’re waiting for motivation to arrive at your doorstep before you start exercising, you might be waiting a long time. The secret truth of motivation is that it actually comes after you take action – not before. By starting small and experiencing some benefits, you give motivation a chance to turn up and it loves riding on the momentum you’re building.

If you’re feeling stuck, here are six tips for starting an exercise routine from scratch.

  • Find your reason – you’re more likely to stick with a new behaviour if it’s linked to something you really value in life. Ask yourself, “why will exercise make my life better in a meaningful way?” It might be to help you overcome depression and get your life back on track, to gain more energy for your kids or to improve your general health for a longer life.
  • Start small – and we mean really small. Just add five per cent to what you’re currently doing. If you’re stuck on the couch, just walking in your street each day is a great start.
  • Make it part of your routine – the more decisions you have to make about when to exercise, the closer you’ll come to deciding not to. Timetable your exercise into your weekly schedule so you aren’t relying as much on willpower.
  • Do something you enjoy – exercise doesn’t have to be serious. If you hate running or going to the gym, you’re unlikely to keep it up. Find an activity you enjoy (or at least don’t dislike) and you’re more likely to keep doing it.
  • Set goals and monitor progress – it’s very rewarding to track your progress towards a specific goal. It makes every exercise session feel purposeful.
  • Make a commitment to others – you’re less likely to opt out if you have a friend or team relying on you to be there.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself if you haven’t exercised for a while. For many, this can trigger self-critical thoughts that lead to giving up the exercise routine entirely.

Treat each day as a fresh start, and remind yourself that it’s human to drop the ball occasionally.

For the ultimate ab workout – click here

News

Train Smarter: How You Should Be Cardio Training

Author: Paul Mudge August 4, 2021
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cardio training

How much cardio should I be doing in my training? How much running is too much running?  Why should I ever do slow runs when fast, hard ones will make me faster?

Unless you’ve been taught the ropes of proper training, these are questions that most people ask themselves at some point along the road of preparing their bodies for an event. What follows is a breakdown of the things you should know to be best prepared for your race, and avoid injury or over-tiredness.

Woman lacking up sneaker and preparing for cardio workout

It Starts With Your Heart

Knowing your resting heart rate and your max heart rate is key. Some people’s heart rates run high, while others run low.

Know the Zones

When doing cardio workouts, there are four different heart rate zones trainers typically refer to when talking training plans.

–Recovery/easy: HR 55% of max

–Tempo: 65% of max

–Threshold: 80% of max

–V02 max: 100%

Don’t Over-train

On average, athletes react well to 2-3 hard workouts per week when training for a physical event. Do too many hard workouts and your body will become over-tired. A “hard workout” would mean your heart rate is at tempo, or higher. The type of “hard workouts” you do will depend on what you’re training for.

Off Season Training

In the off-season, you want to be threshold workouts (80% of max). How long these workouts are will depend on what you’re training for. For example, if you’re training for the 8-hour Toughest Mudder series, you want these to be longer so your body is prepared for the length of the race.

Train for Distance

-10 minute warm-up

-Run 1km 4-6 times at a threshold heart rate. Rest three minutes between each mile.

-Then, run 45 minutes at a tempo heart rate.

-10 minute cool down

Note: It may take time to work up to the length of this workout. If two of the 1km repeats are plenty for you, then start with that, with ten minutes of tempo afterwards. Listen to your body. Avoiding injury is key.

Train for Speed

If you’re training for sprint races, shorter threshold intervals are the way to go.

-10 minute warm-up

-6x 1km repeats at threshold heart rate-10 minute cool down

Do a 3-5Km run for time into your training regimen every four weeks to test yourself. See if you can beat your best time.

Event Season Training

Your events/races will be your threshold workouts, so although you’ll still want to be doing intervals as part of your training (maybe one every two weeks), you’ll want to focus more on your V02 max now.

VO2 Max Training

VO2 max, or maximal oxygen uptake, indicates the amount of oxygen consumed in milliliters per kilogram of body weight per minute. The higher the number, the more oxygen you get to the muscles, and the faster or longer you run. To train for this you’ll want to do workouts that are shorter, but very hard. Tabata workouts are a great example.

-4-5 minutes: Sprint for 20 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds-

-If you’re on a treadmill, put the incline up to 15% (most treadmills only go up to 15% grade).

-Turn the speed up to as fast as you can run for twenty seconds. It should be a solid sprint effort.

-After the 4-5 minutes, take a two-minute break and then repeat 1-2 more times.

You should be completely exhausted by the time you get to three sets. If you feel like you can do a fourth, then next time – RUN FASTER.

Aside from  those 2-3 hard workouts per week, you should be filling your off days with recovery/easy runs and strength training. Long, easy runs are equally as important to incorporate into your training, as they will help build your endurance.

Above all else, listen to your body and figure out what works best for you.

For tips on how to cool down after a workout – click here

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