How to Get a MMA Workout

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a fast paced and extremely exciting sport. Fighters within organizations like the UFC and Pride Fighting Championships compete against each other using a vast array of techniques both on their feet and on the ground. Getting a MMA workout will exhaust you faster than almost any other activity.

Things You'll Need

• MMA Gear
• Training Partner

Instructions

1. Warm up properly. You should not jump into any strenuous activity without properly warming up.

2. Jump rope. This exercise goes back to almost all fighting sports. It increases your endurance and timing.

3. Hit and kick a heavy bag. This can be just an ordinary punching bag to a Muay Thai kickboxing bag. Make sure to visualize an actual fight or opponent when striking the bag. This will help you simulate an actual fight while getting a lot of exercise.

4. Spar with a training partner. This should be done with 16-ounce gloves, headgear, groin protector, mouthpiece and protective shin guards. Sparring should not be about inflicting damage on your partner. It should be about simulating and getting a feel for having punches and kicks thrown at you and trying to hit a moving target.

5. Grapple with your training partner. Grappling is a much better workout than most people think. It builds strength and endurance very quickly. Any number of wrestling and jujitsu techniques should be used during a grappling session.

6. Practice takedowns and sprawling. This will again be with a training partner. Take turns attempting single or double leg takedowns while the other tries to prevent it.

7. Work in a clinch. This is another area most people do not realize how tiring it can be. This allows you to use Greco-Roman wrestling and judo to throw, toss or trip your opponent to the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• Find a MMA gym. These are spreading around the United States and the rest of the world. They will train a vast variety of disciplines from jujitsu, boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and judo.

• MMA gym membership fees are generally higher than a normal weight or physical fitness gym. They can be very expensive depending on if you want individual instruction or a class setting.

• Be ready for injuries. MMA is a pretty rough sport. This goes with any combat sport, but there are many more options to getting injured comparing boxing to MMA.