Pallet power. No Gym Obstacle Course Race Training Tips

So let’s just say that this work out was born from two of my life’s passions: DIY and obstacle course race training.

DIY. Pallets are a thing. We build pallet projects too. Like any good (bad) neighbor, we have a few lying around the yard.

I use them regularly for my no gym obstacle course race training and these ripped up and ragged wooden grids do a lot of things—at the same time—for a hyper-focussed exercise session.

One more thing: My pallet work out is not a substitute for the gym. It’s part of the whole heap of things I do to train for overall fitness, and variety is what I think obstacle course training requires. And life. Actually, if you don’t believe me, listen to Spartan Race creator Joe DeSena tell you himself.

Obstacle Course Race Training—Pallet Style

Show up tired. Before I lift or carry anything, I do a full run or bike ride. It’s a built-in warm-up and, to me, means I don’t have to spend all day doing reps and sets. Obstacle race training is about doing the lifting when you’re gassed, not fresh.

Pick your pallets. I have different pallets for different exercises. Also, I believe that sentence has never been written before so I am now proud. Pick the pallets that work best for what you’re doing with them.

Hand strength. Hand strength—not ripped abs or pecs or lats—is key for obstacle course race training and success. Pallets work that—and all the other mirror muscles—like a demon. Plus you get hand toughness. I like gloves for warmth (I wear Gorilla Grip gloves) but for grip, nothing beats callused skin.

Balance. The whole point of the pallet is that it’s unconventional. Unlike a gym work out (that is dangerous to do unbalanced) pallets require everything from mirror muscles to core strength to move around. And, in yards with enough space, you can leave them set up.

Repeat sets as needed. And be thinking about that next DIY project. After all, pallets are a thing.