How to Train for a Tough Man Contest

Toughman challenges pit competitors in bouts of fighting skills, stamina and of course, toughness. A Toughman challenge isn't something that one should undertake lightly. Fighters whose skills and stamina aren't fully developed could get seriously hurt, if they're ill prepared to face an opponent. Training programs, sparring and mentally preparing yourself for the physical punishment that your body is about to undergo is the best way to adequately prepare for the storm of fists and fury. A Toughman contest is basically a boxing tournament, but the fighters aren't boxers. They are average men who choose to test their resolve by taking to the ring against opponents who have similar hopes and aspirations.

Things You'll Need

  • Free weights
  • Diet journal
  • Running shoes
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Instructions

  1. Overall Training

    • 1

      Start running. Running will boost your heart rate and improve your cardiovascular fitness. While the actual running won't help in your Toughman contest, running will help you maintain your stamina and reduce the likelihood that you'll get tired quickly. The fights will consist of short rounds of a couple of minutes, but you will be constantly moving. Stamina will be key to not tiring and leaving yourself vulnerable to your opponent's attacks. Other methods of cardio workouts can be substituted for running; it doesn't matter what, as long as your heart rate is elevated. Jumping rope, climbing stairs or aggressively riding a bike are all acceptable substitutes. Try to incorporate interval training, where you push your body to its limits during short bursts to simulate the amount of time you'll spend in each round of the fight.

    • 2

      Lift weights. You'll want to build your strength. Building muscle will not only help you have more powerful attacks, but it will aid your body in deflecting your opponent's attacks, or enabling your body to more effectively absorb your opponent's punches.

    • 3

      Spar with a partner or two. Sparring will give you the opportunity to test your skills in combat against an opponent -- several people are even better. Throughout the Toughman contest, you will be matched up with different competitors, each of whom may have a very different fighting style. Sparring with several partners will give you the experience you'll need to understand how to defend against different types of striking and attacks.

    • 4

      Watch what you eat. Your diet will be an important part of your training for the contest. You'll want to avoid foods that will slow you down and make you lethargic. Eating lots of lean proteins will help your muscles, and eating a moderate amount of carbohydrates will give your body the energy to train for the contest. Avoid junk foods that offer only empty calories, and try to cut out alcohol altogether. Too much alcohol can severely derail a training regimen.

    • 5

      Get plenty of rest. Your body is going to be under a great deal of stress, even before the contest starts. In order to properly recuperate, your body needs plenty of downtime to rebuild itself after you've torn it down through extensive sparring, exercise and weight training.