Mixed martial arts (MMA) continues to gain an ever-widening fan base, and as more people become interested in the sport, many are interested in MMA fitness too. They want to know what it takes to be a good mixed martial artist.
The first thing they must bear in mind is that mixed martial arts is very different from other combat sports such as boxing, traditional martial arts, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Greco-Roman wrestling. All of these are far more mainstream. Training is focused, and fitness requirements are well defined.
Mixed martial arts was streamlined and gained official recognition relatively more recently. With the onset of Ultimate Fighting Championships and similar events, more interest in MMA fitness and its unique requirements is engendered.
Discipline and Adherence
To reach ideal MMA fitness, a serious mixed martial artist must be disciplined. He must attend his workouts regularly and adhere to an exacting schedule for learning and training.
The objective in an MMA fitness workout is agility, strength and endurance. But bear in mind that while the sport is extreme, the workout is designed primarily to preserve ones safety from the start. Initially it will be slow and gradual, then it will steadily increase over time to the highest maximum intensity.
Not Physical Fitness, But Fighting Shape
MMA fitness is not about being physically fit for normal living. It is about getting into fighting shape. To do this, a workout starts slow. One must be patient yet persistent, and aim for optimal steadiness, strength and stamina. Only then will you be in fighting shape.
Here are some guidelines for attaining MMA fitness:
1.Dont bypass the warm-up. The stretching exercises prepare your muscles for the training that lies ahead. Going gradual is key for safety and long term MMA fitness. The warm-up is an important part of that.
2.Dont try too hard. Dont push yourself so far that you get injured. Be patient. The MMA fitness and training program will intensify in due time. An injury can only set you back and may discourage you from wanting to continue the sport.
3.Be more Zen. The journey is as important as the goal. Every aspect of your training plays a role, especially the importance of going gradual. As you become stronger and more agile, you can advance. In mixed martial arts, a little Zen enhances your competitiveness.
4.Get in tune with your body. Mixed martial arts may seem like a merciless sport, but becoming a mixed martial artist involves the sensitivity of an artist, with your body as its instrument. Know your body and dont drive it like it is a killing machine. Take care of your bodys needs. If you do, you will avoid the quick burnout that often comes with going too far ahead of yourself, or being too impatient with a routine that seems to slow for you. Worst case scenario: A displaced disc or torn muscle can take you out of the competition.
5.Wear the right training attire. Your clothes should fit loosely. If its cold you can layer, then remove them when you warm up. And do not compromise on your shoes. Running shoes must be of excellent quality to avoid injury from stress impact. Also, replace your shoes as soon as you need to.
6.Dont bypass the cooling down. Even those not Zen know that.
We cannot emphasize enough how important a good evaluation and the right advice is in training for mixed martial arts. If you remain true to all of the above and adhere to a strict, tailored exercise regimen, you will have attained the MMA fitness that you need to excel as a mixed martial artist.
The first thing they must bear in mind is that mixed martial arts is very different from other combat sports such as boxing, traditional martial arts, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Greco-Roman wrestling. All of these are far more mainstream. Training is focused, and fitness requirements are well defined.
Mixed martial arts was streamlined and gained official recognition relatively more recently. With the onset of Ultimate Fighting Championships and similar events, more interest in MMA fitness and its unique requirements is engendered.
Discipline and Adherence
To reach ideal MMA fitness, a serious mixed martial artist must be disciplined. He must attend his workouts regularly and adhere to an exacting schedule for learning and training.
The objective in an MMA fitness workout is agility, strength and endurance. But bear in mind that while the sport is extreme, the workout is designed primarily to preserve ones safety from the start. Initially it will be slow and gradual, then it will steadily increase over time to the highest maximum intensity.
Not Physical Fitness, But Fighting Shape
MMA fitness is not about being physically fit for normal living. It is about getting into fighting shape. To do this, a workout starts slow. One must be patient yet persistent, and aim for optimal steadiness, strength and stamina. Only then will you be in fighting shape.
Here are some guidelines for attaining MMA fitness:
1.Dont bypass the warm-up. The stretching exercises prepare your muscles for the training that lies ahead. Going gradual is key for safety and long term MMA fitness. The warm-up is an important part of that.
2.Dont try too hard. Dont push yourself so far that you get injured. Be patient. The MMA fitness and training program will intensify in due time. An injury can only set you back and may discourage you from wanting to continue the sport.
3.Be more Zen. The journey is as important as the goal. Every aspect of your training plays a role, especially the importance of going gradual. As you become stronger and more agile, you can advance. In mixed martial arts, a little Zen enhances your competitiveness.
4.Get in tune with your body. Mixed martial arts may seem like a merciless sport, but becoming a mixed martial artist involves the sensitivity of an artist, with your body as its instrument. Know your body and dont drive it like it is a killing machine. Take care of your bodys needs. If you do, you will avoid the quick burnout that often comes with going too far ahead of yourself, or being too impatient with a routine that seems to slow for you. Worst case scenario: A displaced disc or torn muscle can take you out of the competition.
5.Wear the right training attire. Your clothes should fit loosely. If its cold you can layer, then remove them when you warm up. And do not compromise on your shoes. Running shoes must be of excellent quality to avoid injury from stress impact. Also, replace your shoes as soon as you need to.
6.Dont bypass the cooling down. Even those not Zen know that.
We cannot emphasize enough how important a good evaluation and the right advice is in training for mixed martial arts. If you remain true to all of the above and adhere to a strict, tailored exercise regimen, you will have attained the MMA fitness that you need to excel as a mixed martial artist.
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