Do you often find yourself wondering why Mixed Martial Arts are so talked about?
And you are of the belief that it’s the celebs who train in martial arts because they probably need it for their action scenes! Regular people don’t really learn that stuff, right? So, do you really need to learn Mixed Martial Arts if you truly want to be fit?
“THE ANSWER – YES, MIXED MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING IS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO STAY FIT. CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, MIXED MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING ISN’T JUST DESIGNED FOR THOSE WHO ARE PARTICIPATING IN A COMPETITION TO SHOW-OFF THEIR STRENGTH AND POWER.”
MMA training offers complete fitness by increasing energy, strength, flexibility, endurance levels and also improves cardiovascular health. Image via http://www.mmafitnesstips.com/
UMM…WHAT EXACTLY IS MIXED MARTIAL ARTS?
For those of you who have heard the term ‘Mixed Martial Arts’ all too often but have absolutely no clue what exactly it means, here is a gist.
Mixed Martial Arts (also called MMA) is a combination of all styles of martial arts trainings, complied in to a single package for a complete workout. The program might vary from one training centre to another, but usually includes:
Boxing
Thai Kickboxing
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Jeet Kune
Wrestling
8 REASONS WHY MIXED MARTIAL ARTS OFFER YOU COMPLETE FITNESS
- IT HELPS TO BUILD STRENGTH
One of the biggest benefits of Mixed Martial Arts training is building strength. A MMA program is designed to target all the large muscle groups in the body, while a regular fitness training program focuses on part-training, especially if you talk about weight training for building strength.
“MMA TRAINING PROMOTES CORE STRENGTH WHICH IS CRUCIAL IN WARDING OFF MANY DEGENERATIVE MEDICAL AILMENTS LIKE FATIGUE, HEART DISEASES AND OSTEOPOROSIS.”
- IT ENHANCES ENDURANCE
MMA uses both strength training and cardiovascular training and this can increment your endurance levels. As a result, the functioning of major bodily systems is increased, especially the lungs, kidneys and heart.
“AN ADDED BENEFIT: MIXED MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING IS VERY VERSATILE AND REMOVES THE CONCEPT OF ‘MONOTONY’ FROM YOUR WORKOUTS.”
- IT IMPROVES BALANCE
As your endurance levels and strength increases, so does your balance. This is because MMA targets your core muscles to make them more powerful, enabling you to maintain your ‘centre’ in a better way. This comes in very handy as you notice you have more flexibility and are also less prone to falling, tripping and other injuries. - IT IS AN EXCELLENT STRESS BUSTER
The very definition of ‘fit’ states ‘good physical and mental health’! As your physical prowess improves, so will your sense of self-confidence and self-respect. A good workout helps you release the ‘feel good’ hormones called endorphins. For those who lead a busy lifestyle and find it hard to let go of everyday stresses which could be the result of a tumultuous professional or personal life, practicing Mixed Martial Arts two to three times a week can do wonders. - DEVELOPS INCREASED POWER AND ENERGY
This kind of training increases cardiovascular endurance and musculature so that you don’t just ‘look’ good but also ‘feel’ great. MMA training will incorporate specific speed and strength training exercises that engage the ‘anaerobic energy system’ within the body. As a result, you have more energy and power as your overall fitness level drastically increases. - BUILDS UP DISCIPLINE
MMA training teaches you the importance and relevance of discipline to not only impact your fitness levels but also your life as a whole. A sense of self-discipline is a must to achieve desired levels of fitness.
“IT STRESSES ON THE IMPORTANCE TO REGULARITY, STICKING TO ROUTINES AND PRACTICE HARD EVEN IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY; TEACHINGS YOU CAN UTILIZE TO IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE WAY BEYOND THE MMA FITNESS CLASS.”
- IT TEACHES YOU SELF-DEFENSE
Now all exercises make you fitter and any weight training exercise routine will also make you stronger. But, do these teach you how to defend yourself?
“IF THE NEED TO DEFEND YOURSELF FROM ATTACKERS EVER ARISES, MIXED MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING TEACHES YOU THE KEY SKILLS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONES.”
- ENHANCES MOBILITY AND FLEXIBILITY
It enhances mobility and opens up your muscles to make you a lot more flexible, increasing your range of motion too. Most MMA practitioners are flexible because the warm up exercises performed before training sessions are rather dynamic in nature.
Additionally, Mixed Martial Arts training is engaging and exciting. While getting back in to shape by going for jogs or gym workouts can prove to be boring, MMA training is so much fun that you will actually look forward to your workouts! As a result, you will stay consistent and regular, and hence fitter and healthier within no time.
MMA training comes with innumerable benefits. Isn’t it time you joined a class as well?
Excited to try mixed martial arts? You can star with kickass MMA home workout. But be warned, it will make you sweat! A LOT.