One of the major factors which assist in the excellent performance of the professional MMA fighter is weight lifting based conditioning. The aim of weight training is to develop all round strength. How the strength is obtained requires efficient technique, endurance, mobility and a competitive attitude. The majority of athletes in the MMA are solidly built and most of this body mass has been acquired through sound weight training methods.
To develop strong muscles requires a planned weight training program. For most MMA fighters, the muscles in the legs, arms and core must be strong and thus it is important to select weight training programs that will develop these muscles. In all cases, the muscles have to be forced to work against resistance and the exercises have to be repeated.
By gradually developing resistance to a muscle, the muscle will start to increase in size and power. However, since adults can not grow new muscles, all the muscles that develop are due to the increased size of the muscle fiber.
For the individual electing to participate in MMA, a random visit to the weight room and picking up a few bar bells is not going to cut it. It is best to select the help of a professional trainer who can help you put together the best exercise routine and the type of workload that you need to perform.
In general, most MMA weight training sessions involve the following exercises:
Power clean and jerk
Bench, chest and shoulder press
Back squats
Sit ups
Shoulder presses
Leg curls and extensions
Upper arm curls and press
When you adhere to this exercise regimen, a balanced development of all the muscles in the body will start. One can then denote proportional level of time to different muscles in the body.
Once the weight training sessions are in gear, one can then slowly turn towards power lifting. Power lifting exercises are designed to help build up the large muscles in the body. The exercises include the development of rapid speed to enable one to lift large weights. The classic Olympic weight programs include the power snatch and the clean & jerk weight lifts.
It is important to go slow with weight training. The exact amount of weight that one may lift will depend on your height and weight. Since the goal of weight training is to build muscles, lifting extremes of weight during each session is a worthless exercise. Besides grunting and groaning in trying to lift heavy weights, one may develop a hernia or bad injury. All weight training programs require repetition of activity to build muscle. It is recommended that one undergo the weight training sessions 2-3 times a week.
There are thousands of fitness centers all over the country. Each one has different sets of machines and weights. Before embarking on a weight training session, do some research about the gyms in your area. Get the advice of a professional and seek a gym where safety is a priority. Monitor your progress with photos and size measurements and do not be disheartened as results usually take time.
Weight training is arduous and the results are not immediately obvious. Thus, patience is a virtue when it comes to this fitness activity. If one keeps up this activity for 6-12 months, the effects may be visible not only physically but in terms of the amounts of weight one can lift.