Most people at one time of another have visited or trained at Kings Parks most noted stairway Jacobs Ladder. It represents one of the best places to exercise walking up and down stairs to help increase your heart rate and shape your posterior, not to mention the other benefits of stair climbing. For others they use this as a fantastic way to enjoy their fitness training. Jacobs Ladder can also be a great starting point for High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session by running up and down the stairs with push-ups and pull-ups to cap it off.
Over the past years it has been at the center of much controversy as local residents have complained about the noise of frequent users. It has just re-opened after so much needed maintenance, much to many peoples joy. Except for local residents whom will continue to complain about the noise levels. If they get their own way it could mean that many people will need to seek out an alternative fitness solution. I have comprised a workout which can provide as much intensity as Jacobs Ladder but without having to get into a debate with other people about Jacobs Ladder.
The Gauntlet
I have dubbed this training session The Gauntlet, it provides a great 3km walk or run with varying terrain. You can then decide upon the intensity you bring to the walk or workout session. It consists of 4 laps running along the coast, up & down stairs and along the beach. Watermans Bay – the Gauntlet
The Gauntlet Elevation
Lap 1
To the left you will see the first lap. Start at the top of the hill, either at the bottom of the stairs or top. Run along the coast path until you come the toilets. Then down the stairs to the beach for a run back to the start point – lap 1 complete
You can see the path marks on the map in red
Lap 2
Continue running along the coast, but go past the toilets until you reach a path. Run down either the steps or the small hill back to the beach we go until you reach the stairs – lap 2 complete
You can see the path marks on the map in green
Lap 3
Continue running along the coast, but go past the toilets until you reach a path. Cross over as we are going to make a figure 8. Run along the path past the playground. Once you reach the car park make an immediate left turn up the hill which is a 13 degree incline. Run along the coast path until you reach the crossover point, head back down to the beach and then along until you get back to the stairs – lap 3 complete
You can see the path marks on the map in blue
Lap 4
Do the same as lap 2 however you are running to the end of the car park and straight up the hill at a 14 degree incline – lap 4 complete
You can see the path marks on the map in pink
Any of these laps can be repeated instead of doing all 4 in succession. I suggest walking each of the laps before attempting the run, mainly so you know the path before you try to tackle it at the intensity level you want.
Jacobs Ladder Alternative Spots & Other Interesting Locations
Here are a handful of locations around Perth which can provide you an intense workout or similar amount of steps to Jacobs Ladder, with Craigie stairs being my next favourite training spot.
