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Fitness

How to Complete Funky Monkey

Author: Tough Mudder October 23, 2019
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two men on monkey bars

Funky Monkey is not any old playground monkey bars, there are platforms, wheels, bars and funky little round things that don’t really have a name. Tackling this obstacle will certainly get your pulse racing, and it’s no surprise that it has became one of the best obstacles out on course.

Completing this obstacle challenge will test your upper body strength as you transition from monkey bars to traverse a series of revolving wheels.

With that in mind, we’ve collated along with Craft Sportwear our top three tips for swinging across this much-loved obstacle with all of the style and grace of a cheeky monkey.

3 TOP TIPS FOR COMPLETING FUNKY MONKEY 

1. BALANCE IS KEY

So…the circular pads are pretty cool right? We’ll be honest, we don’t know what to call them but we do know how to get across them. 

Step with purpose onto the pads and grab the bar with both hands – you’ll be surprised at how sturdy they are, but don’t get cocky – we’ve seen many a Mudder slip into the drink mid brag.

obstacle swinging man

2. GET ON UP

After hopping across the pads like a tiny yet excitable frog the next section is a skinny, shaky ladder. 

Confidence is key, it looks small but it will hold your weight. Keep your hands and feet on the rungs (not the wire) and try to get as high as you can.

3. SECURE YOUR GRIP

Ah you’re finally reunited with those rolling wheels of Funky Monkey days gone by. You’re going to need grip and upper body strength to get across these.

Remember to take time with your transition, moving from the ladder to the first moving wheel is going to throw you so prepare yourself for the lurch and try to get two hands on the wheel.

woman monkey bars

LEVELLING UP?

Ready to push yourself even further? The Level Up Lanes are giving you the chance to choose your challenge. 

The Funky Monkey Level Up Lanes feature pipes in the place of circular pads and a rope climb instead of the ladder. Here are our top tips for conquering the Level Up Lane:

1. CLEAN SHOES GO ALONG WAY

Okay we know those trainers are never going to be clean again, but you’ll find wiping off some of the excess filth with help you grip onto the tiny metal pipes.

2. IT’S KNOT THAT BAD

…If you remember to use the knots. Try to place your feet on the lowest knot, then using your upper body pull up until they reach the second one. Easy peasy…

3. LOCK AND LOAD

Unless you’re the very first person on that rope it’s going to be wet and slippery. Clamp your legs around the rope, the more contact you have with it the less likely you are to slip into the water.

Ready to take on Funky Monkey? Get your Tough Mudder ticket today and get muddy.


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