A new piece of equipment has joined the Tough Smudge home gym.
I have bought a Power Tower Dip Station to give me more options for working specifically on upper-body strength, grip, hanging and pulling movements. All of those are becoming increasingly important as I look ahead to the Tough Mudders and bigger endurance challenges still to come.
I filmed the whole process of unboxing and building the Power Tower, but the video quickly became about much more than simply assembling another bit of gym equipment.
While putting it together, I talk through the Tough Smudge journey so far, what I have learned from the events I have already completed, where the project is heading and, importantly, the areas where I know I still need to improve.
Why a Power Tower?
Running fitness will only get me so far at Tough Mudder.
Obstacles such as Hero Walls, Hang Tough, Just the Tips and Mudderhorn demand a different type of strength. I need to be more comfortable supporting my own body weight, hanging for longer, pulling myself upwards and maintaining grip when tired, wet and covered in mud.
Those are all areas where I know there is room for improvement.
The Power Tower gives me a way to work consistently on exercises such as pull-ups, dips, hanging work, core strength and other movements that should gradually make those obstacles more manageable.
It is not about suddenly becoming brilliant at them overnight. It is about adding another piece to the training and improving a little at a time.
Another Step in the Journey
The home gym has gradually become an important part of the Tough Smudge project.
Every new piece of equipment needs to have a purpose, and this one has a very clear one: make me stronger for the obstacles that currently expose my weaknesses.
The video covers the full unboxing and construction, but it is also another chance to reflect on how far the journey has already come and what needs to happen next.
You can watch the full video on the Tough Smudge YouTube channel.
Endure. Overcome. Make it count.