The Most Effective Training Equipment for Obstacle Racing

Training for an obstacle race required the right equipment and supplies. Here are the parts you'll need to train for obstacle course racing.

This list of training equipment is greatly influenced by the items I have at home. I also included the tools I've used in CrossFit and obstacle course gyms. This equipment has been a great help in my workout routine, and are especially beneficial when training for an obstacle race.

The items are not in a particular order. I consider this list to be the necessary equipment for OCR training.

If you want to know what to wear at an obstacle race and expecting to find a real review from a real runner. Check out my clothing checklist.

Sandbell

Sandbells are one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you could use in your training. It can replace your kettlebells, wreck bags, slam balls, and medicine balls.

Obstacle racing required a firm grip, and this sandbell is excellent training equipment to work your grip. You can quickly wrap your fingers on the edges of the sandbag to lift or swing it.

During a Spartan Race, you'll probably encounter the Sandbag Carry and what better way to train for this obstacle than with an actual sandbag?

Use it to work on your strength, core, cardio, and grip, all at the same time. The sandbell can be employed for lifts, thrusters, rows, squats, swings, and lunges. Also, you can slam the sandbell on the floor without worrying about scratching your flooring. The water-resistant material (neoprene) is best for outdoor training.

More secure than kettlebells, you can perform different functional exercises without worrying about breaking a bone.

The sandbell comes in different sizes (14-17 in.) and weights (up to 50 lbs.). I use the 30 pounds to workout, but I would suggest 15 or 20 pounds if you are a beginner.

Definitely this sandbell (link to Amazon) is excellent addition to your home gym.

Wreck bag

Similar to the sandbell, this multipurpose tool can be adopted in various workout routines, while building solid upper and lower body strength. This Wreck Bag is ideal for developing your explosive power, stability, and endurance.

The difference between the wreck bag and the sandbell is the design and the handles. The handles make it easy to manipulate during your repetitions or to carry over a certain distance. Furthermore, it can be used for several exercises usually done with kettlebells, dumbbells, barbells, medicine ball, and sandbell. It definitely an all-in-one tool.

The weight inside the bag can be adjusted between exercises; you simply remove one of the four sandbags inside. Each small bag weight 10 pounds, for a total of 40 pounds, which is enough for deadlifts, squats, clean, and press.

This wreck bag (link to Amazon) will get you ready for the carry obstacles or the long hills during a Spartan Race.

Kettlebell

Kettlebells are definitely a must for your home gym. You'll build muscle strength, while also working on your grip, stability, and explosive power.

Those kettlebells are designed for various weight lifting exercises that required explosive movement, such as kettlebell swings. Meanwhile, you can use it for squats, presses, deadlifts, and rows. I also use my kettlebells as a weight for farmer carry or suitcase carry.

Moreover, you can use the kettlebell to create homemade obstacles. For example, tie a rope to the kettlebell handle, and you have a DIY Spartan Sled. Furthermore, flip the rope over a pull-up bar, and you now have a Hercule Hoist.

Kettlebells comes in various weights, and the most popular weights in CrossFit gym is 30 lbs (30 Kb). I suggest you start with a 20 lbs (9kb) if you are a beginner, or directly get the 40 lbs (18kb) as I did. It felt heavy at the beginning, but after 2-3 months, I was able to complete every exercise.

These kettlebells (link to Amazon) are by far the best investment you could do for your home gym.

Dumbbell

You can't call it a gym if it has no dumbbells. They are the most common free weights used in strength training. Consequently, if you are serious about building muscle strength, these dumbbells should be on your list.

Dumbbells are used in all sort of resistance training (arms, chest, back, and legs), while also been applied as a counterbalance weight to work on your core.

In my garage gym, I have 3 sets of dumbells;

• 2 x 15 lbs (6kb)
• 2 x 20 lbs (9kb)
• 2 x 25 lbs (11 kb)

I mainly used the 25 lbs, and I'm thinking about upgrading my collection with 35-40 lbs. However, I've been training with those 3 sets for the past 4 years, and I'm still delighted. I suggest you get the hexagon-shaped rubber end since they won't scratch your floor or start to roll around your training area.

I use those dumbbells (link to Amazon) in almost every workout.

Medicine ball vs. slam ball

In every CrossFit gyms, you can find those medicine balls because they are incredibly beneficial to work on your explosive power, stability, and cardio.

The best exercise you could perform with a medicine ball is the Wall Ball. Facing the wall, you do a squat and throw the ball with your hands. Use the explosiveness of the movement (the standing up motion) to throw the ball as high as possible on the wall over your head. However, this exercise is only possible if you have a high ceiling or train outside where a windowless exterior wall is available.

This is why I mostly use the ball as a weight to perform stability exercises and work on my core. I could use my kettlebell, but I prefer the feel of the medicine ball. Also, I can rapidly drop it on the floor between sets without worrying about damaging the flooring.

Unquestionably, a great tool to add resistance in abs workout.

However, if you don't plan on doing Wall Balls, I would suggest you get this slam ball instead of the medicine ball. Because, in my opinion, Wall Balls is the only advantages of the medicine ball. On the other hand, with a slam ball, you could perform almost all the same exercises and more.

The slam ball can also be used to work on explosive power and aerobic endurance. Instead of throwing the ball over your head (like with the medicine ball), you slam it on the floor. You'll burn tones of calories doing the slam ball exercises.

Both balls can be used as an added weight for goblets squats, overhead lunges, Russian twist and more. It's way more comfortable for the hands than using a kettlebell or dumbbell.

Finally, the choice comes down to the height of your ceiling. If your garage gym has enough space, go with this medicine ball (link to Amazon) otherwise choose this slam ball (link to Amazon.)

Plyometric Box

Another piece of equipment at the CrossFit Gym is the plyometric box. It's a versatile tool, use for more than box jump.

This plyo box is meant to work on your jumping ability, and it will drastically improve your obstacle race skills. However, I also use my box for handstands push-ups, dips, step ups, and more.

Training with a plyometric box will get you ready to face the long hills and possibly avoid leg cramp during your next race. Leg cramps are related to inadequate leg training. You'll develop the explosive power required to jump over the obstacles, plus you'll train your legs muscles to continue functioning in intense workout sessions.

To get the maximum from this plyometric box, (link to Amazon) make sure to get the 30 x 24 x 20 in. You won't get the same result from the smaller box.

Hurdles

The hurdles are my favorite gym accessories to work on leg power. Trust me, you'll need strong legs to compete in an obstacle course race with lots of hills. The strength and explosive power you'll gain will also be helpful to climb the obstacles.

The lightweight design of those hurdles is ideal for practicing high jump without worrying about injuries. The poles and crossbars are only clipped together, and they come apart effortlessly if you miss your jump.

Use one hurdle to jump as high as you can, or practice side to side jumps. Also, you can use all hurdles, at different heights, and create a series of obstacles to jump over.

However, those hurdles are not only for jumping exercises, but they can also be used to practice crawling. Every week during my training, I will simulate the Barbed Wire Crawl by placing all four hurdles close to the ground and at different heights. Then, crawl as fast as possible without touching the crossbar.

Those hurdles (link to Amazon) will sure gets you ready for the race.

Sled Drag

The sled drag is excellent to work on explosive power, speed, and endurance. It's the favorite training tool for football teams, and it's also widespread in CrossFit gym.

Training with this tool will get your legs ready for the race. This kind of sled drag is also a common obstacle at Spartan Race and other OCR events. It's your chance to train with the real obstacle.

The sled is attached to a strap that is pulled with your hands or attached around your waist. This allows the sled to be pulled towards you or to run with the sled attached to you.

However, the sled alone can't merely be used alone; you'll need to load it with weight. The sled itself weight around 30 lbs, and maybe this is enough for you, but I would suggest adding more weights. If you don't have Olympic bumper plates, use a sandbag (sandbell or wreck bag) to load the sled.

This Sled Drag (link to Amazon) will turn you into an obstacle course machine.

Ab Roller

The Ab Roller is my favorite gym accessories, which I love to hate. In my opinion, it the most effective tool to improve core strength and build a six-pack. After, a few repetitions, you immediately feel the burn in your entire body.

This sadistic tool is composed of 2 handles and 1 wheel. You hold the Ab Roller with both hands while being on your knees and you try to roll forward. At first, it's essential you work on your form, and try to keep a straight back. The more confident you become, the closer to the ground you can go, and to more repetition, you can do.

A strong core is vital to be competitive during an obstacle race, and this Ab Roller can help you achieve your goal (link Amazon.)

Weight Vest

Get your workout to the next level by training with a weight vest. You'll burn more fat, build more muscles, and look totally badass by wearing this vest.

This weight vest has numerous compartments to stack weights. Depending on your fitness level, you can adjust the load from 12 to 60 pounds (5-27kb). My vest is 20 pounds (9kg), and I clearly feel the extra weight when I go for a run.

I primarily use it for running or power hiking in the mountain. However, many people wear it during workouts, especially for pull-ups and push-ups.

This weight vest (link to Amazon) the latest addition to my training equipment — a great tool to get the required endurance for a Spartan Race.

Battle Ropes

Get a full body workout with the battle ropes. It works on your cardio, core, grip, upper and lower body muscles. You'll also improve your coordination and reaction time while burning tonnes of calories.

This thick rope is fixed to an anchor, while you hold both extremities with your hands. Use your arms to create vigorous waves in the rope while maintaining an engaged position. Consider, including movements such as jumps or squats to intensify the workout. However, the quantities of exercises are (almost) endless, from Jumping Jacks to Alternating Jump Waves and Rope Slams.

I also used my rope to practice my hanging grip. I toss the rope over the pull-up bar and perform pull-ups while grabbing on both sides of the rope. This exercise is beneficial to get prepared for hanging obstacles, such as the Multi Rig or Rope Climb.

Another obstacle you can practice with this rope is the Sled Drag. You simply tie the rope around the kettlebell handle, et voila! You got yourself a DIY sled drag.

The Battle Ropes comes in different sizes and weights. Depending on the space available, you can get a rope up to 50 ft long. However, I got the 30 ft for my garage gym, since space is minimal. When calculating the space available, keep in mind that the rope will be folded in two. For example, my 30 feets rope require 15 ft. of unobstructed space.

I'm delighted with those battle ropes (link to Amazon.)

Pull-up Bar

During an obstacle race, it's inevitable, you'll need to pull your self over walls or hang under the monkey bars. Therefore, practicing your pull-up is critical, and to do so, you'll need a proper pull-up bar.

Forget about the doorframe pull-up bar; it's not convenient or safe. Get this secure pull-up bar that can hold your weight while performing energic movements.

A pull-up bar can be utilized for more than regular pull-up; it's also helpful for kipping pull-ups, toes to bar, knees to elbows and muscle ups. All of which require a fix-to-the-wall pull-up bar.

I also use pull-up bar to hang my TRX, Olympic rings and ninja grips. Furthermore, I use it as a replica of the Hercule Hoist at Spartan race. To do so, I tie my battle rope to a kettlebell and toss the rope over the bar.

You can't afford to skip the pull-ups. Check this pull-up bar from Amazon.

Climbing Rope

The climbing rope, one of the most popular obstacles you'll encounter during an obstacle race.

There's nothing like training on this actual rope (Link to Amazon) to prepare for the rope climb. Sure, you need plenty of grips, and you can work on your grip strength with other pieces of equipment. However, if you want to succeed, you'll need to practice your footholds. Accordingly, that cannot be practice on something other than an actual rope to climb.

I don't have a climbing rope at home, because my garage ceiling is too low and I there are no trees in my backyard that I could use. Still, I was lucky enough to live in a neighborhood where they installed a climbing rope at the local park.

It's only when I got access to a climbing rope that I really started to master the technique and avoid the penalty burpees during a race.

Climbing Holds

When I don't feel like training in my garage gym, I'm at the local climbing gym. It's an excellent workout to train on your grip and upper body strength.

However, climbing holds can be used in different ways. For example, I use them to perform pull-ups or dead hangs. It's incredible the benefits I get from doing so.

If you have enough space the install a complete climbing wall, I would say go for these climbing holds (link to Amazon) and don't forget to add grips to the ceiling also. However, if space is an issue, you can simply install a couple of holds to practice your grip.

Multi Rig

Having a multi rig to practice is a significant advantage when training for obstacle racing.

Almost every obstacle races I have attended had an obstacle where I needed to swing from one ring to another. Something, the rings are replaced by balls, ropes, PVC pipes, and nunchucks.

Many people who are seriously training for OCR, have a version of the multi rig at home. Sure, It requires a training space with a ceiling high enough so you can hang from the grip without touching the ground. Therefore, something it's easier to install it in your backyard, where you can build an outdoor workout station.

I don't have enough space in my house to create a full rig, but I use my pull-up bar to hang different kinds of grips. This allows me to practice my grip, without much movement, but it still effective enough. The Olympic ring heights can be adjusted and use for other upper-body workouts, such as dips or rows.

If you are serious about your training, you should get those Olympic rings, balls, and nunchucks (links to Amazon.)

Trail Running Shoes

Running, especially trail running, must be part of your training routine if you want to be fully prepared to compete in obstacle racing.

It's fair to say that your running shoes are an essential piece of equipment. Therefore, you'll need to invest in a good pair of trail running shoe.

In the obstacle running world, there are two major brands: Salomon and Innov-8. I've been running with Salomon Speedcross for the past 10 years and I never been disappointed with the new edition. I strongly recommend these Speedcross (link to Amazon,) because I fully trust them to get me through the rugged course without injuries.

For more information on my Salomon Speedcross, check out this complete review I have created about the best shoes for a Spartan Race.

Takeaway

It would be awesome if you could have all that equipment at your disposal. You'll have everything you need to train for obstacle racing.

However, in reality, we all have a limited budget. Therefore, you should consider acquiring new materials for your home gym every now and then. I had built my garage gym over the past 5 years, and I still don't own everything on this list.

Start today with one piece, and save this list for later.

Everything on this list is still less expensive than a gym membership.

P.S. If you want to know what to wear at an obstacle race and hoping to get genuine advice from a real runner. You should check out this my clothing checklist.

I have hand picked this racing gear because I'd used each item in different obstacle races and mud runs. Plus, I'd confirmed my selection with my fellow OCR runners. With all their insights and my own experience, I've built this list of the most helpful gear to bring at an obstacle race.

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