About Obstacle Courses

Obstacle courses have been used by the military for many years to train soldiers. Some features of obstacle courses, such as rope climbing, can even be found in schools. Obstacle courses are not only good for a person's physical well-being, but they are also an excellent mental training tool.

History

Obstacle courses are a standard form of training in military forces throughout the world. Early uses of obstacle courses in military training can be seen with the Roman army, which used obstacle courses as one of many ways to train their soldiers. The Greeks also used obstacle courses, particularly rope courses, for training. In the 1900s, the French military made obstacle courses a standard form of training.

Types

In the military, there are generally two types of obstacle courses: confidence courses and conditioning courses. Conditioning courses are usually run for time. The courses test soldiers' physical ability and motor skills. Confidence courses do not run for time. Instead, they feature more difficult obstacles and test the soldiers' strength and balance. They are used to boost confidence in both the soldier's physical and mental abilities.

Features

Many common features found in an obstacle course include jumping obstacles, in which the soldier must leap over hurdles; climbing obstacles such as ropes or a high wall; horizontal obstacles, such as climbing along beams; and crawling through large pipes or under wires. Military obstacle courses also often involve outdoor environments such as moving through mud or traversing across pools of water.

Benefits

Obstacle courses are an excellent all-round form of physical exercise. They require both mental and physical prowess to overcome the obstacles, and for the military, help the soldiers develop a sense of team work. Soldiers also learn to evaluate and overcome problems and boost their confidence. The benefits of obstacle courses has become so renowned that some fitness centers have started offering obstacle courses, while other companies rent out obstacle course equipment to the general public.

Potential

In addition to being a form of exercise and agility, obstacle courses are being used as a form of entertainment. Obstacle courses can now be seen in many television shows. Reality shows such as "Survivor" require contestants to complete obstacle courses. "Gladiator" also employs the use of obstacle courses. Additionally, the Japanese series "Ninja Warrior" uses the courses for entertainment purposes. This trend seems likely to persist, as it is a cheaply produced form of entertainment.