Exclusive | Im an American Gladiator heres how to beat the NYCs 4 toughest daily obstacles

New Yorkers tackle an obstacle course every single day: dodging distracted tourists, sprinting for a train.Navigating the city demands plenty of strength, stamina, balance and quick reflexes — many of the same skills showcased on “American Gladiators.” So who better to coach New Yorkers through the city’s daily physical challenges than one of its own real-life Gladiators?Lu Faustin — known as Empire on Amazon Prime’s reboot of the iconic competition series — told The Post surviving New York is basically “an unofficial sport.”A Brooklyn native, professional bodybuilder and certified personal trainer, Faustin is one of 16 Gladiators, including professional wrestlers, bodybuilders, CrossFit athletes and former D1 athletes, who battle everyday contestants for a chance at a $100,000 prize.On the show, competitors race through physically demanding events that test both fitness and problem-solving while the Gladiators do everything they can to stop them.That obstacle-dodging mentality translates surprisingly well to city life.

“You gotta have strength,” she said about everyday New Yorkers.“You gotta be quick and hang tough.

You gotta be able to take some hits and dodge some hits.”Here are some of the most common everyday obstacles we face — and how to conquer them like a pro.If you’ve ever schlepped a suitcase through Broadway Junction, you know the struggle.The sprawling Brooklyn subway station is notorious for its steep, three-level climb, featuring about five flights of stairs nicknamed “Stairway to Heaven” (or Hell, depending on the direction) and no public elevators.It’s an especially grueling trek for travelers heading to JFK, but Faustin might inspire naysayers to reconsider.“It’s expensive living here, rent is high,” she said.“So take advantage of every obstacle that presents itself to you when you are outside.

That’s your gym.” Instead of dreading the climb, think of it as a free StairMaster workout.Like squats, ...