5 Reasons to train MMA
1. Burn, baby, burn! (like a disco inferno): You can burn up to 1,000 calories an hour while practicing mixed martial arts. Training MMA can get you into the best shape of your life! I say ‘shape’ because ‘weight’ should only be a consideration for competitors around fight times. Don’t be deterred if you actually put on some ‘weight’ after you start training, it’s more than likely muscle, and I’m sure you’ll be a fitter shape!
2. Friends & networks: There’s a popular African proverb that says, “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” MMA is a sport that competes as individuals, however, there is still so much to be gained from the relationships you make within the team. Your teammates can:
- help you improve your techniques,
- keep you accountable to your goals,
- provide a social outlet with people of similar interests, and
- extend your networks past your usual reach.
3. That ‘cathartic’ feeling! It’s that feeling right after you finish a great session, where you feel the tensions and anxieties of your life melt away. Even if only until you arrive home, or back to work – it’s that rush of endorphins that draws us to the gym, and keeps us coming back. It get’s us out from our cosy beds on cold mornings, or away from the bar on tough days at the office. The release of stress through physical activity can boost your energy levels and help re-balance your perspective.
4. Self-esteem & confidence It is broadly recognised that physical exercise can boost confidence and self-esteem. One way this can be achieved is through learning new techniques, developing / refining skills, and generally gaining more knowledge of your own abilities. You shouldn’t be surprised that after training MMA, ‘that work emergency’ wont throw you off your game. This is because that ‘emergency’ isn’t trying to punch you in the face (hopefully!).
5. Build discipline & focus Starting is the toughest step. It takes the most effort to move from a standstill to running. Once you get moving and form the new habits of regular training (which will be easy considering the above benefits) – you will be able to invest your willpower into making more good decisions, and forming your next set of habits in your life.
#iamabsolutemma
