Ever watch as MMA fighters walk onto your TV screen with ripped abs, massive biceps, and legs like tree trunks? Don’t worry; you aren’t alone. You’re probably left wondering how they look so good. If this is the case, you’ll find some advice in this guide. First, let’s look at what the pros are doing in 2021!
Table of Contents
Laying the Foundations
First and foremost, you’ll never compete with MMA fighters and their training regimes if you don’t have the dedication and discipline. Remember, those who fight in mixed martial arts have spent years mastering their craft. So even when a fighter has their first major event, they’re standing on years of training and hard work.
If you don’t have the foundations of motivation and dedication, you won’t succeed in whatever training regime you start. Unfortunately, there is no magic genie that grants fitness and an MMA-style appearance.
Power Endurance
With this in mind, one of the things that all MMA fighters need is endurance, but we’re not talking about running a marathon. Instead, it’s all about power endurance. MMA fighters need the endurance not just to survive five rounds of five minutes each but to keep throwing punches and moving around the ring (or octagon).
To improve power endurance, you should be looking to perform explosive exercises during interval training. For example, try a workout with 45 seconds of explosive movement and 15 seconds of rest. Try a few different exercises and then repeat the rounds, just like an MMA fighter. Good examples include box jumps, squat jumps, power push-ups, chest presses, and kettlebell swings.
Core
When people think about MMA fighters, they think that the training regimes must be intense with physical, sweaty workouts and plenty of weights. In reality, this isn’t always the case. For example, Pilates is now an essential part of the training regime for many. Why? Because of the benefits that it brings to the core. There are MMA gyms all across Australia that are adopting pilates, and training their staff with the Breathe Education program. As pilates gain momentum, training will be important for a quality experience.
Whether performing reformer Pilates, mat Pilates, or any other form, the core is often the focal point. As you move through the different movements and exercises, the abdominal muscles get a good workout, and this helps with posture and overall physique.
If you’re not convinced by Pilates, you’ll also enjoy the following improvements:
- Coordination
- Flexibility
- Muscular control
- Muscle strength
- Hips, buttocks, and lower back
- Lung capacity
- Stress management
- Body awareness
With all these benefits, it’s not surprising that more MMA fighters are getting involved with Pilates.
Substance Over Style
If you want to adopt an MMA regime, the next thing you need to realize is that substance is more important than style. MMA pros have bulging biceps and rock-hard pecs, but they have built them through purposeful workouts. A good example is the difference between straight-leg deadlifts and leg curls. Which do you think is best?
Well, it’s the former. While leg curls might help the legs in terms of appearance, straight-leg deadlifts are better because they boost strength. For MMA pros, this means takedowns. What’s more, MMA pros replace triceps kickbacks with close-grip presses because it allows them to generate more power in the punch.
When creating an MMA training regime, every exercise should have a purpose. The purpose for MMA pros is to become more effective in the ring.
Conclusion
Why not get started today? You don’t need to begin with huge MMA weight plates. Instead, plan a workout that suits your current levels of fitness and strength. Then, over time, gradually increase the intensity of workouts and watch as your body rewards you for the hard work!