How To Get Started On American Ninja Warrior for Kids
Contributors: Cayden Jones
Obstacle Warriors North Richland Hills | Updated October 28, 2024
How-To Guide: American Ninja Warrior for Kids
1. Understand the Basics
What is American Ninja Warrior?
American Ninja Warrior (ANW) is an obstacle course competition that requires strength, agility, coordination, and mental toughness. Kids’ courses mimic the adult ones but are designed for young athletes to practice and enjoy safely.Goal of Training:
The objective is to improve fitness, balance, speed, and problem-solving skills, making it fun and challenging for kids of all levels.
2. Getting Started with Basic Skills
A. Build Strength:
- Upper Body: Pull-ups, push-ups, and monkey bars help strengthen muscles needed for hanging and climbing obstacles. - Core: Sit-ups, planks, and Russian twists build a strong core, essential for balance and body control. - Legs: Squats, lunges, and box jumps are great for building power to help with jumping and landing obstacles.
B. Work on Balance and Coordination:
- Balance Beam Practice: Walk along a straight line or a narrow surface (like a low balance beam) to get comfortable balancing. - Agility Ladders: Use these to work on footwork and quick movement skills, which are crucial for navigating obstacles quickly. - Obstacle Jumps: Set up cones or markers to practice jumping to and landing on specific targets.
C. Develop Endurance:
- Obstacle courses require stamina. Regularly running, swimming, or cycling builds endurance. - Try to mix these activities with strength training to ensure a balanced approach.
3. Create a Ninja Warrior Training Course
A. Use Safe, Kid-Friendly Obstacles:
- Low Bar Hang: Set up a horizontal bar for hanging exercises, helping with grip and arm strength. - Stepping Stones: Use soft cushions or foam mats to jump between "stones" while practicing balance. - Rope Swing: Tie a rope to a stable surface (with adult supervision) for a mini rope swing, great for grip and timing. - Tunnel Crawl: A play tunnel or series of chairs covered with a blanket can simulate crawling obstacles.
B. DIY Obstacles Ideas for At-Home Practice:
- Use chalk or tape to create paths on the floor, such as zigzags or circles, for agility practice. - Stack cushions or place stable objects to create small "walls" to climb over or obstacles to duck under.
4. Mastering the Key Ninja Warrior Obstacles
A. The Warped Wall
- Start with a shorter wall or incline. Practice running up it and grabbing the top. - Focus on speed and leg strength; a fast sprint and strong push off help reach the top.
B. The Salmon Ladder
- For a kid-friendly version, use monkey bars or low pull-up bars. Have kids practice controlled jumps to different rungs, developing coordination and grip.
C. The Quintuple Steps
- Create angled steps using cushions or boxes. Practice jumping from one to the next, working on balance and control.
5. Practice Mindset and Mental Focus
A. Set Goals:
- Start with small, achievable goals, like crossing the monkey bars without stopping. Gradually increase the challenge.
B. Visualize Success:
- Have kids imagine themselves completing each obstacle confidently. Visualization can help boost confidence.
C. Embrace Mistakes as Learning:
- Teach resilience by encouraging kids to see mistakes as opportunities to improve.
6. Stay Safe!
Warm Up and Stretch: Kids should warm up their muscles and do some light stretching before starting.
Safety Gear: Use mats under high obstacles, and wear gloves if hands become sore from gripping.
Supervision: Ensure an adult is always present to supervise, especially on more challenging obstacles.
Rest and Recovery: Kids need rest days to allow their muscles to recover and grow stronger.
7. Try Ninja Classes at Obstacle Warriors in North Richland Hills, TX
Look for local “Ninja Warrior” gyms such as Obstacle Warriors. The facility provides training classes for ages 3 to adults and provides a safe, structured environment with trained coaches. REGISTER HERE.
8. Track Progress and Have Fun!
Keep a Training Log: Record times, successful obstacle completions, and personal bests. Tracking progress keeps kids motivated and shows how they improve over time.
Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge when they overcome a difficult obstacle or improve their speed.
Make it Fun: Encourage kids to invite friends or family to try the course with them!
With dedication, creativity, and practice, young athletes can build the skills and confidence they need to tackle American Ninja Warrior-style obstacles. Remember, the goal is to have fun and stay active!
OBSTACLE WARRIORS NORTH RICHLAND HILLS
Your favorite ninja obstacle course gym is now open! Kids and adults get to experience what it’s like to be a ninja warrior! We encourage kids and adults to have fun, learn, and challenge themselves to be the best that they can be. Unleash your inner ninja warrior at the best indoor playground and obstacle course in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Book your next birthday party, fitness class, corporate event, summer camp, or open play visit!
Location: Obstacle Warriors NRH is located at 8525 Airport Fwy, North Richland Hills, TX 76180
