Ever seen a mixed martial artist who wasn’t in great shape?
Training in mixed martial arts (MMA) offers a workout that pushes your body to its limits, turning practitioners into some of the toughest athletes in the world.
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Whether you’re training for fun or to pursue a career as a fighter, MMA has the potential to get you in your best shape as the classes go way beyond a simple workout. If you’re looking to expand your social circle with an exercise program that transforms you inside and out, MMA is the right choice.
Top 4 Reasons to Try MMA
Take a look at what MMA disciplines such as Muay Thai, kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and karate can do for you.
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They Heighten Your Aerobic/Anaerobic Conditioning
Commonly referred to as cardio, aerobic exercises strengthen your lungs and heart to pump more efficiently and ensure your muscles receive more oxygen. MMA training includes great cardio workouts like boxing, jumping rope, running and skipping. All of these contribute to improved endurance. In turn, they allow you to take control of your overall physical well-being, with rewards like improved mood and protection against coronary artery disease.
But MMA is more than endurance-building cardio. It improves your anaerobic conditioning by enabling you to perform better by practicing shorter, more intense exercises.
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They Improve Your Mental Toughness
Certain MMA disciplines are designed to help you build mental toughness, determination and resilience. A combination of all three helps you stay focused, ensure tough times and better navigate everyday obstacles.
How is it possible to achieve all of this through exercise? By breaking perceived barriers and seeing yourself perform better than you thought you could. Each time you push yourself harder when your mind tells you it’s impossible, you build toughness and resilience.
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They Offer a Strong Support System
Unlike other exercise programs that involve you working out alone, MMA gives you a community of people who train together.
This is advantageous as it can be a contributing factor to ensuring you stay on track.
Training or sparring with a partner can reveal your competitive side while ensuring you constantly challenge yourself. You’re more likely to make friends who’ll serve as a great support system both in and outside of the gym. Other members may help you master a technique you’re struggling with; these will also be the members who cheer you on. Furthermore, if you start feeling a lack of motivation, your friends will encourage you to keep going.
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They Enhance Confidence
Mixed martial arts training doesn’t just help you become physically and mentally stronger; it boosts your self-esteem too. This is possible as you know you can effectively defend yourself if the need arises. You gain in both confidence and strength, and learn to be humble as the choice to enter into a confrontation depends on you. Training regularly makes you feel that you can take on any challenge life throws at you.
Choosing the right trainer and mixed martial art allows you to enjoy the benefits that this high-intensity workout has to offer. Contrary to popular belief, MMA isn’t violent and is suitable for individuals wanting to get in shape both mentally and physically. Whether you have a hard time motivating yourself or aren’t satisfied with regular training, sign up for a training program today. You’ll be glad you did.