Obstacle course
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An obstacle course is a series of challenging physical obstacles an individual or team must navigate usually while being timed. Obstacle courses can include running, climbing, jumping, crawling and balancing elements with the aim of testing endurance; sometimes a course involves mental tests.
Contents |
[edit] Types of courses
[edit] Military
The military obstacle course is used (mostly in boot camp) as a way to familiarize recruits with the kind of tactical movement they will use in combat, as well as for physical training, building teamwork, and evaluating problem solving skills. Typical courses involve obstacles the participants must climb over, crawl under, balance, hang, jump, etc. Puddles of muddy water, ropes/nets, and "no touch" restrictions are often used to make the course more difficult. They tend to be outdoors. Often, specialized courses are made to focus on specific needs, such as night movement, assault, and bayonet training.
[edit] Inflatable
Inflatable (air filled) obstacle courses can have participants go through a variety of areas like the Bish Bash, a tall loose structure to push or wade through, nets to crawl under, walls to climb over and holes to jump through. Some larger inflatables have even more areas. Inflatable obstacle courses are used for corporate events, youth events, sports centres and parties.
[edit] Assault
An assault obstacle course can be done inside or outside. The outside course is usually messy and filled with mud and muddy water. An inside course is similar to an inflatable course, but it is used in physical education lessons or holiday camps, using gym equipment or whatever is at hand.
[edit] Crufts
Crufts is an obstacle course in the UK, sponsored by Pedigree, used to demonstrate the abilities of dogs. (See also: dog agility)
[edit] Popular culture
- The Superstars featured an obstacle course, usually featured as the final event.
- The Battle of the Network Stars featured an obstacle course as one of its many events.
- Survivor makes extensive use of obstacle courses for their challenges.
- American Gladiators had an indoor obstacle course called "The Eliminator" at the end of each episode.
- The Peruvian children's series Nubeluz featured a mini-obstacle course called "El Circuito Glufico" as one of its many games in rotation.
- Viking: The Ultimate Obstacle Course is a Japanese endurance game show.
- Show jumping is an obstacle course for horse riding.
- Nickelodeon's Double Dare bonus round is an obstacle course.
- SASUKE, otherwise known as Ninja Warrior, is a Japanese obstacle course show aired on G4.
- On an upcoming episode of Total Drama Island, the campers will all build bikes and then use them to compete in an obstacle course.
