Training

While many of the exercises I have focused on here are meant to increase the strength of an athlete, exercises designed around running are just as important. After all, OCR does have an R in it for Race. If you read the title and immediately thought of a foul odor, you aren't alone. The name is horrible... but the activity is intense.

There are few muscles in your body that are used more than your triceps. Ever time you extend your arms (with any force) you are using your tricep muscles. These muscles, when strengthened, can increase your performance in any number of areas.

If you have ever done a Spartan Race (or any other OCR), you already know there are a lot of obstacles that require you to pull something. This action could be pulling a sled, the Hercules Hoist, a tire pull, or even a rope climb. The primary group of muscles responsible for this action are located in your back, the middle back.

While running is one of the best things you can do to prepare for an obstacle race, you cannot forget about the rest of your body. Building strength in key areas will help you gain the additional strength required to overcome an obstacle. In today's Exercise of the Week, I am going to cover an underrated shoulder exercise known as the Cuban Press.