As any serious athlete knows, victory happens long before you get to the ring. Conditioning and practice are what produce a champion fighter. While the fight takes place during competitive combat, it is won or lost during the build-up. Practice makes things second nature. This is definitely true with MMA workouts as well. A good training program will go a long way towards your success in mixed martial arts.
Unlike some sports that have a limited range of motion and required skills, MMA workouts require a full body routine. The basics start with building muscle and movements to improve strength. Weight lifting is almost always the foundation of a good muscle building plan. There are dozens of exercises and machines that support muscle development and strength. Free weights are the easiest and most affordable tool for athletes who spend a lot of time working out at home. They also take up less space. However, if you work out regularly at the gym, use the many machines available to you. However, don’t end up with a limited directory. Your muscles get stronger by being regularly stressed and rebuilt. If you limit yourself to one or two movements, they will get used to it quickly and your results will be limited. Instead, alternate between machines and muscle groups when building muscle.
While muscle building is certainly important, that’s not the only thing you need to pay attention to when planning your MMA workouts. Flexibility and agility are also important. Many people compete in mixed martial arts and play sports in their spare time that require quick reflexes, such as racquetball. Quick responses are crucial and you can take these skills with you into the ring. Building your core is also critical. If you don’t have a strong core, you will burn out quickly when faced with stiff competition. Finally, you should definitely work specific movements into your training. The more you fight, the more natural it becomes and the better you will perform.
Even if you are away from your normal training facility for a few days, you can still stay in top shape. There are many exercises that you can do without any tools or exercise machines. Use your own body weight to provide the resistance you need to keep your muscles strong and active. These include the standard muscle-building movements like push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups. However, if you’re on vacation or away from your gym, don’t be afraid to take a day off. This can really give your body a break and facilitate faster results when you return to your normal schedule. While this may seem counterintuitive, it helps. Just make sure you resume your normal schedule or comparable MMA training workouts without too much delay. Rest is good, but a little goes a long way.
