Many are of the impression that mixed martial arts training is solely about sparring. While sparring is certainly vital to success in the sport, it is only part of the equation. In order to truly succeed, it is necessary to be in the absolute best shape possible. This is where strength and conditioning training come into play. When you have put the proper time in the gym to build up your strength and endurance levels, you will find your ability to perform is greatly improved. That means you will be in the proper physical shape to handle a tough match.
Core Components of a MMA Workout
There are a great many factors that are tied into a successful MMA workout. Basically, you need to enhance your physical strength levels, your endurance, and your cardiovascular conditioning. There will be cross training workouts that allow you to hit several combinations these areas at once. There are also specialization training programs designed to target a particular area and help enhance it to a greater degree.
Strength training can cover many different areas. Isometric strength can be developed in order to enhance static strength common for holding pinning or submission based positions. Developing isometric strength can entail lifting heavy weights in a slow or controlled manner as opposed to normal speed. Traditional strength training such as lifting heavy weights builds mass and makes the body stronger overall so it can perform various tasks. Those interested in seeing how a traditional free weight program works for MMA should look towards Brock Lesnar's modified bodybuilding routine. Such a routine is performed on a split train strategy four times a week. Lesnar has also integrated this program with the "Caveman training" program which strips down strength training to its basics. Hey, the training works - Brock is a champ!
Cardiovascular training is designed to increased wind and it can come from simple workouts along the lines of jumping rope, jogging, or sprinting. It can also be taken up a notch and performed via high intensity interval training. A basic level of cardio conditioning is a must for effective training. A high level of cardio is certainly advised for those looking to compete. When your cardio conditioning falters your ability to perform will decline with it. Really, you can't fight if you can't breathe. Georges St. Pierre has made a career out of strength training combined with sprint training. It has certainly worked well for him. Have you ever seen St. Pierre get tired in a match? Doubtfully!
Endurance training is often confused with cardiovascular training. Actually, the two go together but there are other phases of endurance training that are important as well. Muscular endurance would be one of these other necessary phases. What is muscular endurance? Basically, this would be the ability to develop the muscles so they do not fatigue or tire easily. Probably the best exercises to help develop such endurance would be body weight exercises performed at a very high rate of repetition. Regular undertaking of these exercises will certainly enhance your potential to perform better when the time comes to do so.
Consistency
The key with any of these strength and conditioning programs is consistency. You will want the program to embody continual training designed to deliver effective results. If not, you will not see improvements in overall performance.
Ultimately, this is the main reason why you want to take part in strength and conditioning workouts. The goal here is to improve your potential to succeed when the time comes to spar or compete. When you body is not in the proper shape to perform, your potential to perform will be greatly undermined.
