9 Basic MMA Training Tips For Beginners
Whether you’re into MMA to train to become a real fighter, or just in it for fitness and fun, you’re obviously going to start somewhere.
Knowing where and how to start is important if you want to get the most out of your MMA training.
Fortunately for you, here are a few tips to help you get started.
- Do your homework. Before starting your MMA training, you’ll want to research your options. Preferably, you’ll want to go to a gym that has a lot of MMA fighters attending and specializes in MMA classes.
- Try before you commit. Most MMA training gyms won’t mind offering a free session to those who are interested. So, be sure to try one class out before you commit. Who knows, MMA may not be the right sport for you, so be sure to give yourself some time to figure things out before diving head first.
- Don’t lie to your trainer. When it comes to talking about your fitness levels and overall health, don’t be ashamed of being open with your trainer. Don’t worry about starting small, either. Remember, as has been said earlier, every starts from somewhere.
- MMA isn’t just about strength or power, it also requires a lot of flexibility. Stretching before and after your MMA training helps improve your flexibility, which will be key to helping you improve as a fighter.
- Avoid bulking up. While you are encouraged to spend some time with free weights, bulking up should be avoided entirely. Being too big can make it hard for you to be flexible and in MMA, the latter is much more important.
- Train your core. Core strength and stability will help add power to your punches and kicks. So, focus on them during your MMA training. Leg raises, sit ups, plank rolls and other core exercises should be part of your overall routine.
- Never skip your meals. The right kind of diet for those under MMA training is one that consists of high protein, healthy fat and carbohydrates. Good examples of food containing all three are turkey, eggs, fish, legumes, avocados, nuts and oils.
- Be Patient. The results of all your hard work won’t be evident overnight. Likewise, you shouldn’t try to overestimate yourself and do exercises that are way above your capabilities. Instead, take your time and while you should always push yourself hard, you should understand that the whole process will take time.
- Hard work is great and all, but if you don’t give your body a chance to rest, then it will be all for naught. Your body needs time to rest up and recover from the intensity of your MMA training, so make sure to give yourself ample time to rest in between sessions.
MMA is definitely not an easy sport. However, if you’re willing to work through all the lumps and bruises, you’ll find that MMA just isn’t good for your self-defense, but also for confidence and overall, self-esteem.