Spartan Workout Philadelphia

My first ever Spartan experience was today. Spartan race puts on a FREE (yes, you read that right... free) workout series that travels the nation. I am fortunate enough to live in a metropolitan area and was able to actually attend one this time!

I was super excited, but also super nervous. Would I be totally weak and pathetic next to all of these Spartans? Would I be disappointed in my progress and performance? Would I get my ass handed to me? I was nervous, especially since this was my first "Spartan Experience". I anxiously got ready, headed down the Broad Street Line and got the the venue. I sat in line drinking my pre-workout drink (total chalk, gross. Will NOT buy, StrideBox gets it wrong every once in a while.) and waited for my turn to sign in.

As with awesome most events you sign your life away. Once you've done that, they give you an awesome elastic wristband that says "Spartan Race" wih the logo and then "Unbreakable" on the other. You also get given a black cotton tee with the Spartan helmet logo on the front and "I'm training for a Spartan race" on the back. I am a big fan of free things, so this whole workout had started off well in my book.

Then the actual workout part of the workout started. Burpees, running, squats, jumps, lunges, crawls, and oh so many planks. In our trainers mind plank = resting. It was great. Was it hard? Yes. Was it doable? Also yes. I sweat, I hurt, but I was able to do it (or at least most of it... planks got hard after a while of "resting").

The workout was scheduled for two hours, which is what initially worried me. But the workout was not just that, it was inspirational, it was instructional, it was relatable and overall it was beautiful. When first speaking, the trainer originally seemed like your usual yell-at-you-all-day jarhead. But he was so much more than that. He had stories of hope, inspiration, and motivation. I not only left the workout feeling very sore, but I also left feeling mentally cleansed, reinvigorated, and inspired to continue my personal training, pushing, and growing. It was much more than I had expected and I am so glad that I went. I HIGHLY recommended this workout to ANYONE who wants to take their personal growth and fitness to the next level physically and emotionally.

Tips for a Successful Spartan Workout:
1) GO TO ONE.
Even if you don't want to race, it's awesome. Just go.
2) Bring a towel (&/or a yoga mat).
You will be sweaty and want something to cushion your butt, arms, etc when you do the exercises.
3) Bring/wear GLOVES.
Our workout was in a parking lot! I later found out that is pretty normal and I wish we had been warned. It was very hard to do crawls, planks, burpees, etc when you are worried about cutting up your palms.
4) Bring water!
You will need plenty of hydration!
5) Bring friends!
Workouts are always better with friends!
6) Listen!
There were so many inspiring stories and thought provoking questions. Similar to Spartan Up! (by Joe De Sena) there is a lot to reflect on relating to the overall healthy Spartan lifestyle.
7) SIGN UP FOR A SPARTAN!
After the workout you will be given a discount code to sign up for a Spartan race in your area! Now you have no excuses! AROO!