The modern iteration of the 80s favorite American Gladiators (which was also the inspiration for the hysterically painful Wipeout), American Ninja Warrior has arguably fed the entire CrossFit movement.
NITRO ZONE
6344 CASH COURT | PEACHTREE CORNERS
With 12,000 square feet of ninja obstacles, this adult playground was created, re-imagined and brought to life exclusively for Nitro Zone by a former American Ninja Warrior. This 30+ ninja obstacle course includes a 14ft Warped Wall, Devil Ladder, Gecko Walk and soft, inflatable pits for lesser ninjas to fall into. The constantly changing and evolving playground will test your strength, endurance and balance through a variety of challenges perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
HEARTHSONG DELUXE NINJALINE BACKYARD OBSTACLE COURSE KIT
$199 | HEARTHSONG.COM
Test your warrior skills in your own backyard – all you need is two healthy trees! Create a variety of course set-ups ranging from beginner to advanced with this versatile course that was developed with the help of professional ninjas. Kit includes a 30′ x 2″ slackline-webbing line, a 6′ ratchet line, three 10″ monkey fists, two 16″ monkey bar holds, 15′ Bachar ladder, two gymnastic rings and a rickety bridge.
NINJAKOUR
4153 LAWRENCEVILLE HIGHWAY | LILBURN
Really serious about turning the dream into reality? NinjaKour in Lilburn offers training from professional ninja warriors (their staff has been on American Ninja Warrior since season 5!) for youth, adolescent, collegiate and professional athletes. NinjaKour develops ninja obstacle-specific skills such as rock climbing, gymnastics, free running and martial arts tricking, and performed in varying sequences in a timed environment on a ninja obstacle course. If you’ve got the time, dedication and bank account necessary, NinjaKour will turn you into a strong, conditioned and focused ninja, ready to top Mount Midoriyama. Those of us who are slightly less hardcore can rent the 13,000 square-foot professional ninja course for birthday parties.
EVERYONE CAN BE A NINJA: FIND YOUR INNER WARRIOR AND ACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS
$13.99 | TARGET
If watching American Ninja Warrior with a heaping bowl of ice cream is way more appealing than actually training to become a warrior (no judgment), then check out Everyone Can Be a Ninja: Find Your Inner Warrior and Achieve Your Dreams by ANW host Akbar Gbajabiamila. One of seven children of Nigerian immigrant parents, Akbar grew up in South Central Los Angeles during the 1980s and ’90s, a time when the neighborhood was fraught with riots and gang violence. Akbar suited up in football pads for the first time late in high school, climbed major hurdles to play college football and then professionally in the NFL. Drawing inspiration from both the fierce competitors on his show and his own unlikely path to success, Akbar demonstrates how ninjas push themselves until they reach their goals, not letting anyone or anything stand in their way. For the kiddo fan in your life, check out the Junior Ninja Champion series by Catherine Hapka.