Noah Ohlsen, an 11-time CrossFit Games medalist, is shifting his focus from competing to hosting. On June 7th, he will be the master of ceremonies for Red Bull Rancher Strong, a new fitness competition. This event blends ranching skills with fitness in a unique obstacle course.
As the event’s MC, Ohlsen will use his fitness knowledge and competition experience to provide commentary. He will explain the techniques, form, and strategies used by the athletes. He will also analyze what helped the winners succeed.
Training for this event is different from typical competitions. The course is designed to reflect the daily tasks of farmers, ranchers, and others in agriculture. The obstacles mimic real ranch work.
The race is set up as a head-to-head challenge, where two athletes compete side-by-side. Competitors include Red Bull athletes, CrossFit athletes, and American Ninja Warrior athletes. Some have farming backgrounds, while others do not.
At the start, athletes must cross a monkey-bar style apparatus from the start and finish platform. “This will require upper body strength and hand-eye coordination,” Ohlsen said. He suggests training with strict pull-ups, bent-arm hangs, and alternating hand grips on the pull-up bar.
Next, the athletes reach the rodeo ground floor and must load feed bags into a trailer. Ohlsen recommends practicing fast sandbag lifts to waist height and then onto a 24-inch box. Carrying sandbags quickly for short distances or using kettlebells can also help build the necessary strength.
Proper form is vital during training to prevent injury. Pekus, a fitness coach, warns against lifting with poor technique. “Farmers and ranchers know that an injury can cost them a week of work. That means lost income,” he said.
For many in agriculture, the risk of injury adds pressure, but it also helps them perform well under stress. This experience may give them an advantage in the competition.
The third challenge, called the Stockyard Scramble, is a multi-part obstacle. Athletes must throw a truck tire over a fence, climb over logs, and toss another tire. Ohlsen advises training with heavy kettlebell swings or medicine ball throws. Crawling under and jumping over PVC pipes can also improve speed and agility.
The Tree Stumpede obstacle focuses on balance and confidence. Ohlsen suggests balance drills such as alternating foot jumps while skipping rope to improve agility.
The course then intensifies with the Haybale Hustle, located in the center of the course. Athletes climb stacked boxes to reach the peak. Ohlsen recommends practicing safe box stacking and using hands, knees, and body to move quickly. Burpee box jump-overs on a 40-inch box in sets of five to ten will build endurance.
After that, competitors return to the task of pulling the loaded trailer. Ohlsen says sled pulls and pushes with moderate weight are good preparation. Learning how to move efficiently is key, and those with ranching experience may have an edge.
In the final stretch, athletes mount a makeshift horse and pull a “bull” sled hand-over-hand. Ohlsen advises practicing this pull technique with a rope attached to a sled. He also highlights the importance of leg strength to hold the saddle firmly. Med ball squeezes with the thighs can strengthen this muscle group.
The race ends with a sprint up a ladder onto the finish platform. Ohlsen notes that upper body strength and hand-eye coordination will be crucial here. He recommends rope climbs as effective training.
While the course is designed to entertain, its larger purpose is to highlight the hard work of farmers and ranchers. It aims to give viewers insight into their daily chores and physical demands.
Related Challenge: Red Bull Athlete Challenge
If ranch life is not for you but you want to compete, the Red Bull Athlete Challenge is open until June 29th. This fitness challenge is designed to help you train like an athlete. Participants have the chance to spend a day with a Red Bull athlete. Join today to elevate your fitness journey.
