Heavy carry obstacles require participants to lift and transport weighted objects like logs, sandbags, or tyres across challenging terrain, testing endurance and determination.
The refugee parallel
Heavy carries represent the exhausting reality of refugees carrying essential belongings, water, supplies, or even family members across vast distances. Every item represents survival, but the weight becomes overwhelming over long journeys on difficult terrain.
Your role as leader
Setting the scene Approach with weary determination:
- “We can’t leave these supplies behind – they’re essential for survival”
- “Everyone must carry their share – we need these resources ahead”
- “The weight is heavy, but what we’re carrying could save lives”
Leading by example
- Pick up your burden first and begin moving steadily
- Show proper lifting technique to protect your back
- Demonstrate pacing – steady progress rather than rushing
- Manage your clothing practically whilst maintaining modesty
- Don’t put your load down until you reach the destination
Supporting your group While carrying your own load:
- Encourage technique: “Lift with your legs, keep your back straight”
- Provide motivation: “Every step forward is progress – keep that rhythm going”
- Offer assistance: “Switch sides if one arm gets tired”
- Build collective effort: “We’re all carrying the burden together”
Maintaining the experience
Build collective endurance
- “These supplies represent hope for our family – we can’t abandon them”
- “Every person carrying their share makes the group stronger”
- “The weight is hard now, but it could mean survival later”
Handle fatigue and the urge to quit When someone wants to put their load down:
- Acknowledge the struggle: “I know it’s heavy – your arms are screaming to stop”
- Build perspective: “This weight represents everything we couldn’t leave behind”
- Encourage persistence: “You’re stronger than the weight – your heart is carrying you”
- Offer support: “Let’s walk together – shared steps make lighter burdens”
After completing the carry
- Celebrate endurance: “You carried that weight when everything in you wanted to quit”
- Connect to sacrifice: “You proved you’ll bear any burden to reach safety”
- Build collective pride: “Everyone carried their share – that’s true community”
Working with course instructors
The professional instructor will:
- Ensure weights are appropriate for participant safety
- Monitor for proper lifting technique to prevent injury
- Provide guidance on safe carrying methods
- Watch for signs of genuine physical distress
Your role complements by:
- Maintaining the narrative of carrying essential items for survival
- Building mental endurance alongside physical effort
- Encouraging collective responsibility and mutual support
- Celebrating determination over natural strength
Managing different physical abilities
For naturally strong participants
- “Your strength helps the whole group – but don’t carry everyone’s burden”
- “Show others that determination matters more than muscle”
For those who struggle with the weight
- “Every step you take with that weight shows incredible character”
- “Strength comes from the heart as much as the arms”
- “You’re proving that willpower can overcome physical limitations”
Adapting the challenge
- Show different carrying techniques: two-handed, switching sides, brief pauses
- Emphasise that struggling doesn’t mean failing
- Focus on completing the distance rather than carrying style
Building mental endurance
Before lifting
- “This weight represents everything precious we’re bringing to safety”
- “Your body is stronger than your mind believes – trust in your endurance”
- “We carry this together, even when each person bears their own load”
During the carry
- Monitor for genuine distress versus normal fatigue
- Provide encouraging reminders about progress made
- Keep the group together – don’t let anyone fall too far behind
When participants want to quit
- “The weight wants to defeat your spirit – don’t let it win”
- “You’ve carried heavier burdens in life – this is just physical”
- “Every refugee carrying a child or supplies faces this same choice – keep going or give up hope”
Key reminders
- Lead with steady endurance rather than trying to impress with strength
- Build collective responsibility for everyone completing the challenge
- Show that mental determination can overcome physical limitations
- Maintain realistic expectations while building genuine resilience
- Celebrate the character shown through persistent effort
- Connect the physical challenge to the emotional weight of displacement
- Acknowledge that some burdens can only be carried through willpower
- Frame successful completion as proof of inner strength that extends beyond the obstacle