Get dirty, get fit with mud run primer and giant expo

Looking for ways to kick-start both your fitness regimen and your metabolism? Try these:

GO OFF-ROAD

Here’s a free opportunity to try a mud workout, which devotees love for the way it challenges the body while being exhilarating, liberating and, yes, dirty.

Tough Mudder, which arranges these mud-drenched outdoor obstacle-course events, is holding something of a primer for the public on Jan. 12 at Muscle Beach in Santa Monica.

The event will showcase some of Tough Mudder’s newest obstacle designs, such as the Stage 5 Clinger (a 20-foot-high system of ladders and monkey bars) and the Augustus Gloop (climb up a vertical tube as water tumbles down).

Outdoors brand Merrell is sponsoring the event and will be on hand to let participants use the specially designed shoes and clothes. The “pop-up” is also a way to try it out before signing up for the real deal: the Los Angeles Tough Mudder Presented by Merrell on March 25 and 26 at the Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino.

Tough Mudder Presented by Merrell training event, noon and 4 p.m. Jan. 12, Muscle Beach in Santa Monica. Free.

FITNESS PEP RALLY

About 60,000 people showed up at the last FitExpo, and the organizers are expecting an even bigger turnout at the 2017 edition. Running this weekend (Jan. 7-8) at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the public event -- the largest fitness showcase on the West Coast -- will highlight new trends such as slack-lining (a less treacherous type of tightrope walking) and ninja obstacle courses.

Seven hundred exhibitors in the diet, nutrition and fitness world will be on hand to let visitors sample protein shakes and try gadgets with a view to sending people home with a ton of new resolve.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St. Adults: $30 to $45. Children under 12 are $10 a day, and free for kids under 6.

AN INDOOR TRIATHLON

Show up on Sunday to the Life Time Athletic Laguna Niguel for an indoor triathlon event that is designed to boost that fresh new year morale.

Start with a quick dip in the indoor pool, 30 minutes in the cycling studio, followed by a 20-minute run on the treadmill.

The cost to participate is $30 per person and includes a T-shirt, swim cap and race bib. Track your results on the indoortri.com website. The event runs all day and is open to those 12 and over.

Life Time Athletic Laguna Niguel, 25600 Rancho Niguel Road, Laguna Niguel. Register at indoortri.com

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