Top 10 Tough Mudder Obstacles and How to Beat Them

1. Arctic Enema

What it is: A giant ice bath you must fully submerge yourself in. The experience: The shock is instant — your breath catches, your muscles tense, and your brain screams get out. How to beat it:

• Take a deep breath before you go under.
• Keep moving — the longer you stay still, the colder you get.
• Wear a snug-fitting base layer to reduce the shock.

Gear Tip: Thermal compression top to help retain some warmth.

2. Electroshock Therapy ⚡

What it is: A sprint through dangling live wires delivering mild electric shocks. The experience: Equal parts hilarious and painful — you’ll hear screams, laughter, and the occasional expletive. How to beat it:

• Sprint straight through — hesitation makes it worse.
• Keep your head down and arms tucked in.
• Accept that you will get zapped.

Gear Tip: Lightweight trail shoes for speed and grip.

3. Everest ️

What it is: A giant curved wall you must run up and grab the top of. The experience: Like trying to sprint up a skateboard ramp while covered in mud. How to beat it:

• Sprint hard from a distance.
• Time your jump to grab helping hands at the top.
• Don’t be afraid to try more than once.

Gear Tip: Grip-enhancing gloves for a secure hold.

4. Funky Monkey

What it is: Monkey bars over water, often with rotating or angled sections. The experience: Your grip will be tested — and your upper body strength too. How to beat it:

• Keep your momentum swinging forward.
• Use your legs to hook bars if allowed.
• Train grip strength beforehand.

Gear Tip: Liquid chalk to improve grip.

5. Mud Mile

What it is: A series of deep, muddy trenches and mounds. The experience: Slippery, exhausting, and hilarious — you’ll be caked head to toe. How to beat it:

• Work with others to push/pull each other over mounds.
• Use your hands and knees for stability.
• Accept that you will lose a shoe if it’s not tied tight.

Gear Tip: Trail shoes with drainage to avoid waterlogging.

6. Block Ness Monster

What it is: Giant rotating blocks floating in water that you must push and climb over. The experience: Pure teamwork — you can’t do it alone. How to beat it:

• Push the block down for others, then ride it up as it rotates.
• Communicate with your team.
• Use your legs to kick for extra lift.

7. Kiss of Mud

What it is: Crawling under barbed wire through mud. The experience: Low, slow, and filthy. How to beat it:

• Keep your hips low to avoid snagging.
• Use elbows and knees to crawl.
• Wear long sleeves to protect skin.

Gear Tip: Durable compression leggings to prevent scrapes.

8. Pyramid Scheme ⛰️

What it is: A slippery angled wall requiring a human pyramid to climb. The experience: A true test of teamwork and trust. How to beat it:

• Form a base with strong teammates.
• Climb using shoulders and backs as steps.
• Pull others up once you’re at the top.