Tackling the monkey bars in an obstacle course is fun and challenging. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to improve their monkey bar skills, there are several tips that can help you conquer this obstacle more efficiently.
Here, we share some top tips to help you tackle the monkey bars at Ultimate Ninja UK.
Focus on your grip
Perhaps the most important tip for successfully completing the monkey bars is to ensure you have a strong grip. Monkey bars require you to hold onto bars for an extended period, which can quickly fatigue your hands and forearms. Use a full grip, wrapping your fingers completely around the bar, and avoid relying on your fingertips.
Use your whole body
While you’ll primarily use your arms and hands to move across the monkey bars, relying on your upper body can quickly make you feel tired, while engaging your whole body can make the movement more efficient. When you travel from one bar to the next, use your legs to swing slightly forward to propel yourself forward. This momentum allows you to make smoother transitions from bar to bar, reducing the strain on your arms and shoulders.
Maintain a controlled swing
One of the most challenging things about the monkey bars is managing the swing between each bar. As you move from one bar to the next, your body will naturally swing. It’s important to control this swing to avoid losing your grip. Try to keep your body in a straight line and use your core muscles to maintain stability. Avoid letting your body swing too far forward or backward, as this will require more effort to regain control.
Pace yourself
Rushing across the monkey bars as quickly as possible might seem tempting, but it can quickly lead to fatigue. Take your time with each grip and swing while focusing on maintaining a steady rhythm. Build your monkey bar confidence by starting slow and gradually increasing your speed as you become more comfortable with the obstacle.
Control your reach
A common mistake when tackling monkey bars is to try to reach for the next bar by overextending your arm. This can result in awkward, inefficient movements, and even injury. Try to reach with a smooth motion, using your whole arm to extend and swing, and keep your grip on the current bar until you feel you can reach for the next one. Practice this movement by hanging from a bar and reaching for an object in front of you.
Practise regularly
As with any physical skill, practice is key to mastering the monkey bars. If you’re a beginner, start with basic exercises to build the necessary strength, such as hanging from a bar or doing pull-ups. Once you’ve built your grip and upper body strength, practise on the monkey bars. Start with a few bars at a time and gradually increase the distance you cover. As your confidence and strength improve, you’ll be able to complete the obstacle in no time.
Ready to tackle the monkey bars? Book your Ultimate Ninja UK session today!