Maybe you’ll agree—going to the gym gets boring after a while. Even if you are a complete gym junkie and can’t go a day without lifting some kind of weight it gets a little dull. Even if you’ve joined the cult of CrossFit or become a disciple of some dude named Barry, the routine can get tiresome…or if you’re a devotee to the church of Soul Cycle…still, it can start to feel stale. We all go through ruts. And now that summer show-off season has slipped away, those lazy breaks can turn into months. Seems the only way to get through is to flick on your warrior switch. Barrel right through it. Easier said than done, so to give you something to aim for, or just a little incentive, here are six places where you can actually train like a warrior.
1—Train like Bear Grylls
Where: US, UK, Africa
How Long: From half days to five days
Watching former British Special Forces soldier, Bear Grylls, try to find his way out of Siberia or off a deserted island, makes for some great TV, but if you’re really craving adventure, wouldn’t it be better in 3D? And live? Did you say yes? Then take a look at this: At Bear Grylls Survival Academy, began in 2012, you an “survive” in the Sierras in California, The Rockies in Colorado, the Catskills in New york, The Zambezi River in Zimbabwe and the Scottish Highlands with instructors all handpicked by the Bear man himself. And if you’ve got little ones, there are even courses designed specifically for kids and families. Survive for five days from $2,199 per person, Bear Grylls Survival Academy
2—Train Like a Navy Seal
Where: Encinitas, California
How Long: Three days to three weeks
Navy SEALS are the ultimate American warriors, so check out SEALFIT. It was created by a retired Navy Seal Commander to train special ops candidates to get accepted into the Navy SEALS. And it. Is. Intense. Basically this: A more grueling bootcamp for those of you who don’t seem to suffer enough during CrossFit. From $1495, SEALFIT
3—Train like Genghis Khan
Where: Mongolia
How Long: Nine days
Genghis Khan may be the only 13th century person who still has a household name. That’s because he conquered more land and created a bigger empire than anyone else before, or after, on planet Earth—12 million square miles from the Pacific to the Caspian Sea to be exact. What can you learn from training like this guy? Bow and arrow making, archery on a horse, horse herding and lassoing. You’ll re-enact some of Genghis Khan’s most famed battle techniques based on their wandering lifestyle, and you’ll get to visit nomads still living in the Mongolian Steppe. From $3500, High and Wild Expeditions
4—Train Like a Maasai Warrior
Where: Kenya
How Long: Four to 11 Days
Maasai warriors have long been considered some of the most stubbornly strong, smart and fearsome warriors on the planet. Also—they wear a lot of red. Hang with these guys, and they’ll teach you how to wrestle, make and throw spears, track your enemies as well as food and make animal calls. But while that’s happening, they’ll also give you an intimate understanding of their history and culture. From $1,800, Bush Adventures
5—Train Like a Viking
Where: Sweden
How Long: Seven Days
The Vikings know a thing or two about endurance. It’s been a thousand years since the Vikings made their conquest of Northern Europe, but their legendary might lives on. At this training boot camp in The Swedish Lapland, you’ll be mixing bodyweight exercises with strongman type challenges—like carrying full beer barrels and wielding sledgehammers. Sound good Thor? From $1620, Scandinavian Boot Camp
6—Train like a Roman Gladiator
Where: Rome
How Long: One Day
They’ll never make enough movies about the Gladiators, but if you’re ready to make the next step, there’s a ton of day long schools in Rome where you can briefly live out the fantasy. Don’t go expecting anything but a fun time. Go Learn To has courses tailored for big groups and couples. From $130, Golearnto But if you really want to do the couples thing, head to the Waldorf Astoria and check out their training program in a private park.
