A new opportunity to unleash your inner ninja warrior has arrived in Manchester, putting strength and fitness to the test in a fun and energetic way. STYLE etc headed down to Total Ninja in Trafford to try our skills for size.
The time was 10am, we had dragged ourselves out of bed on a Saturday morning and arrived at the Total Ninja centre. As we pulled up dance music blared from the vast warehouse beside us as lights beamed up and down the window glimpses. It was safe to say energy levels were high from the off.
As we stepped inside we were directed to the lockers and advised to stretch up before beginning, after a feeble attempt of using any stretches we remembered from GCSE P.E. we were off on the first obstacle.
Total Ninja Obstacles
Many of the obstacles available are similar to those seen on the Ninja Warrior TV show, including the infamous spider wall, rope swing and run-up wall. Some are scaled down slightly to be somewhat achievable by the average participant, but on the whole it takes a lot of strength and fitness (mostly upper body) if you are to fully complete each circuit.
Our team consisted of two men and two women, with the guys doing considerably better on the whole than the females. There were some challenges which were just to tricky for any of us to master, namely parts of the final course which is reserved for a more expert level.
The full list of obstacles to try is listed below:
- Spider Wall
- Ring sliders
- Warped Wall
- Ninja Reaction Zone
- Jump Tower
- Sea of Swings
- Tilting Beams
- Rolling Logs
- Scramble Net
- Spider Wall
- Quad Steps
- Sea of Doors
- Floating Bridge
- Ninja Climbing Wall
- Giant Airbag
- Foam Pits
Some obstacles exist only in the ‘children’s section’, a smaller area designed more for fun that putting your body to the test. Our team tried the ‘easier’ course after our session and were surprised to find the course still challenging and skill-requiring despite its more fun appearance. All the same the pressure is off and guests are encouraged to go at their own pace, being left to their own devices to do each course in the order they wish.
At 40,000 square feet, Total Ninja is the largest ninja park in the UK. Each end of the warehouse houses the two aforementioned courses, with a middle section giving room for small training area and lockers. A mezzanine takes presence in the centre of the building, saving space for a cafe and chill out zone, ideal for parents to enthusiastically watch from the sidelines without having to get involved.
Not just equipped for hench gym-lovers, Total Ninja appeals to kids as the ulitmate playground. After our session had ended and we limped around at best efforts, we were quickly put to shame by a team of 9 year olds who whizzed round the obstacles with little to no trouble.
Total Ninja is a multi-purpose venue which can suit child birthdays, fun days out or even company team building sessions. There is ample room to ensure you get full use of the facilities in your 1 hour session, we advise arriving early to miss the weekend rush. Prices start at £10 for the training academy when booked online, a very reasonable amount for the value for money.
To enquire and discover more visit Total Ninja online.
