The Ultimate Ninja Warrior Workout

This training program is designed to torch fat and build muscular strength and endurance. It also involves high intensity cardio due to the constant work with minimal rest periods. Try to complete this workout at least three times a week. Dedicate at least one day per week to stretching, rest and recovery.

You won't find many ninjas pumping heavy iron. They prefer bodyweight training and calisthenics. There's one exercise in particular ninjas have in common with the average gym trainer: the pull-up. As one ninja put it, "If you can't easily pull up your own body weight, you have no business on the course."

Ninjas perform endless sets of every variety of pull-up including pronated (overhand), supinated (underhand), neutral (palms facing each other), and vertical grips from cylinders and ropes, as well as fingertip pull-ups from boards and rock wall climbing holds.

One thing you'll never see is a ninja using his wrist straps to aid his grip. Their ability to grab and hold on to various shapes is essential, and diverse forms of bare-handed pull-ups will build that essential dexterity.

Ninjas also like other bodyweight moves like push-ups and dips to round out their upper-body strength. The courses also require ninjas to have plenty of quick leg power to propel them forward and upward. To build this type of explosive strength, most ninjas perform dynamic movements like sprints and squat jumps. Core strength and endurance are also necessary, so exercises like hanging leg raises and all forms of planks are part of a typical trainer's routine. Finally, they need superior balance, so maneuvering across beams, vertical posts, and horizontal straps is a common element in their training.