Shaping up and shipping out: The 2012 Winter fitness guide

By Parker Swenson

A guide to busting out of the winter doldrums and getting in shape.

So how is that New Year’s fitness resolution going? Nothing derails the weight-loss train like the cold days of February, but all hope is not lost.

First and foremost, it always helps to find a workout partner, preferably someone with a similar fitness level. Research has shown that endorphin levels are higher (up to two times as high) when you exercise in a group, meaning you'll have a higher pain tolerance, be able to do a longer workout and feel better afterwards. 

Second, sign up for a scheduled workout program at a local gym. It’s easy to make an excuse to stay in bed rather than run at 6 a.m. But try telling that to the guy/girl you’ve had your eye on for the last two weeks of workouts. Try going only 50% when that co-worker of yours is lifting 10 feet away. No one wants to be second best, and with these scheduled group programs, competition is the name of the game. It'll force you to push yourself harder and longer, and do so more often. 

Once you start rounding into shape, you’re going to need a place to put all that work to the test. Look no further than the increasingly popular obstacle races that are popping up everywhere. These races are half-endurance, half-obstacle courses, giving them enough variety to challenge people at any level. The traditional beanpole cross country runner will not win these races, nor will the musclehead who specializes in picking things up and putting them down. It takes a good balance of strength and stamina. Even better is that almost every one of these races offer a team division, making for a perfect opportunity for you and your workout partner to hit the course together. 

Time to start filling in that calendar. Take a look at some of these options, and get after it. 

Crossfit – Never heard of it? Consider yourself in the minority. Crossfit is an all-encompassing strength and conditioning program, with gyms that are multiplying like Starbucks. Crossfit gyms aren’t your traditional gyms with 20 treadmills and stairmasters lined up side-by-side and a variety of high-tech machines. They rely on the basics: monster truck tire flips, sled pulls, and dead lift squats, all in rapid progression. This approach revolves around doing a different workout each day, and culminates every year with a nationally-televised competition on ESPN2. 

Beach Bootcamp – Did you know you burn up to 1.6 times more calories running in sand than you do on concrete? Now add driftwood carries, burpees, shuttle runs, and boot camp exercises to the equation. Classes are often held early in the morning and after work so you can work it around your schedule. If you’re fortunate enough to live by the coast, sign up for one of these at a local fitness club. There aren’t many better places to get in a workout. 

Tough Mudder – This 10 mile, untimed, team-based obstacle race is taking the country by storm. Featuring freezing cold water, electrical wire mazes, Crisco-covered halfpipe climbs and tons of mud pits, the Navy Seal-inspired course claims to be the toughest event on the planet. Tough Mudders sell out quickly, so plan ahead. Each venue holds races on both Saturday and Sunday. 

Spartan Race – The Spartan Race comes in three lengths: Spartan Sprint (3.1 miles), Super Spartan (8 miles), and Beast Spartan (10 miles). The Spartan Races are timed, obstacle-fueled races that keep the entire course a secret until race day. You can compete as an individual or as a team, just don’t go as a spectator or you’ll have to pay $15 for your laziness. Think you’ve graduated beyond the basic Spartan races? Then try the Spartan Death Race: a 48-hour race where 90% of competitors do not finish. Spartan races take place all over the country and should be on your list if you want the ultimate challenge. 

Warrior Dash – A 5k version of the mud-based obstacle races, the Warrior Dash parallels the Spartan Sprint and offers you a chance to climb, swim, and wade your way through obstacles along the nearly three-mile course. Known for the Viking hats given to race finishers, the Warrior Dash always draws great crowds and offers Saturday and Sunday races at most venues: 

Men’s Health Urbanathlon – It has the fewest venues of any event on this list, but the Urbanathlon offers what these other obstacle races don’t: solid ground. The 10-mile obstacle race takes place throughout major cities, with challenges including monkey bars, pallet walls, cargo net crawls, and military hurdles. Each race also features a massive stair climb up to city landmarks like New York's Citi Field, San Francisco's AT&T Park, and Chicago's Soldier Field. Though there are plans to expand it, the Urbanathlon currently has three US locations and nine international races.

Color Run – Obstacles not your thing? Distance not your thing either? Then try this straight-up 5k race in 20 U.S. cities in 2012. But here's the catch: You’re required to wear white, and you’ll have neon paint thrown at you at each kilometer mark. While the Color Run is still a timed race, the real goal is to end up with a new outfit worthy of a black light frat party.

Parker Swenson is Began in '96's fitness correspondent and an event organizer.


Image via Crossfit.com