Thursday, October 29, 2009

The Features of a Quality MMA Workout

By Espen Hanson

Most top tier fighters separate their MMA workout into five minute circuits. Each circuit contains a one minute break in between the circuits. This format mimics modern day MMA fights and how they take place. This type of training is the best to simulate what a fighter's body will go through during a fight.

Warming up prior to strenuous physical activity is essential for avoiding injuries. Jogging on a treadmill, biking on a stationary bike, or even using a jump rope can help warm up the muscles before fighting. It is important to stimulate the muscles before a challenging MMA workout.

Good cardio is an essential part to becoming a well-rounded fighter. The top tier mixed martial artists make cardio training a top priority. There are very few MMA fighters at the top of their game with poor cardio or conditioning.

Building physical strength is just as important as building good cardio conditioning. Stronger fighters can impose their will on weaker fighters. They punch harder, they kick harder, they throw harder, and they can muscle their opponents into the position they want. Solid gym work often can give the results that an MMA fighter wants.

Developing good bag work skills is not only vital for strikers, but for all combatants. Bags can be used for throwing and training ground and pound skills as well. But bag work is most often used to develop good striking technique and to work on combinations.

Being able to spar with a training partner will help a fighter simulate combat better than almost any other training. It is important that both fighters understand that they fight at a pace that fosters learning. The point is not to beat each other up and injure each other, but to hone fighting techniques and become better at being a fighter.

The majority of fitness gyms will have everything that a fighter needs for strength training. They will the majority of what most fighters need for cardio. However, you may need to find a good MMA gym to get all of the equipment that is required for full training in mixed martial arts.

Having good dietary habits and nutrition is a cornerstone for most fighters. In all divisions, especially at the lower weight divisions, it is important that a fighter packs as much muscle and power into their frame as their weight restriction will allow. It is very difficult to be a successful fighter and not be in peak physical condition.

Many top tier competitors use coaches for mental preparation. The mental game of fighting is considered by most to be just as important, if not more so, than the physical game. Obviously to be a complete fighter, one must be both physically and mentally tough. The nature of both training for a fight and actually fighting is mentally challenging.

Overall, it is important to put all of these parts into your MMA workouts to be successful. Not every MMA workout has to have each of these parts, but the entire training regimen should include all of these aspects. It doesn't matter if you're interested in just getting in shape or becoming a fighter, this blueprint will help with both.

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