Today I am talking about FIGHTING FAT, literally. Boxing and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is becoming main stream in the fitness world. Personal Trainers are now starting boxing classes (me included) and health clubs have classes called “Body Combat”.
Why is this hot right now and do these types of workouts meet the needs of average Americans looking to get into shape? To answer the first question, MMA is more widely accepted and respected today thanks to the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). With Spike TV airing regular bouts of highly trained and in shape mixed martial artist for all to see on cable TV. Many of the fitness magazines are putting these world class athletes on the front cover, showing off that 6 pack. Fighting reality shows “The Contender” and “The Ultimate Fighter” have been a huge spring board for these athletes to enter into main stream. ESPN is now covering MMA on Sports Center and on their website. Needless to say, in a few years from now “MMA” will be a widely excepted term or brand, like McDonalds.
The second question was weather or not this type of training is good for the average American looking to get into shape. The answer is an absolute “Maybe”! Yes, I know that absolute maybe is an oxymoron. Here are some things to consider before starting a fighting fitness program or actually taking the fighting discipline itself. For the person looking to lose more than 35 pounds I recommend the fitness fighting but only after you have been cleared by your doctor. If you have a bad back or any major joint problems this may not be the way for you.
If you have less than 35lbs to lose or your just bored with your workouts than YES do it! Now-Go do it! Seriously, this is the best cardio and the most fun you will ever have exercising in your life. You will work harder than every before and while your boxing or throwing leg kicks your adrenaline will be pumping so much you wont even know your exercising until you take a break. Then it hits you and your body lets you know, WOW I’m really out of breath!
Fighting for fitness will work every muscle in your body, especially your core, heart, and lungs. It also improves neurological function, balance and coordination. Not only that but the average person can burn between 350 and 500 calories. I have been training clients using kickboxing as a big part of their program and the days we box are the most exciting and intense. Ask any client and 9 out of 10 will tell you that they love fighting the fat more than any other fitness activity!
When starting a fighting fitness program make sure you are with someone who is qualified to teach you proper technique for punches and leg kicks. Just because someone is a trainer with a name tag doesn’t mean they know how to fight. Watch the trainers and see who is boxing and who seems to be the most knowledgeable. Which clients look like they are doing the best job fighting? You could also join a MMA school. This means a place that teaches Boxing, Kickboxing, MUI THAI, Jujitsu (submission fighting) or the like. This could be a little more intense as far as the seriousness of it. There will be more of a focus on skill but also the conditioning.
Either way I say Fighting the Fat is a sure fire way to give your body the Knock Out Punch it needs to get in great shape!
Why is this hot right now and do these types of workouts meet the needs of average Americans looking to get into shape? To answer the first question, MMA is more widely accepted and respected today thanks to the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). With Spike TV airing regular bouts of highly trained and in shape mixed martial artist for all to see on cable TV. Many of the fitness magazines are putting these world class athletes on the front cover, showing off that 6 pack. Fighting reality shows “The Contender” and “The Ultimate Fighter” have been a huge spring board for these athletes to enter into main stream. ESPN is now covering MMA on Sports Center and on their website. Needless to say, in a few years from now “MMA” will be a widely excepted term or brand, like McDonalds.
The second question was weather or not this type of training is good for the average American looking to get into shape. The answer is an absolute “Maybe”! Yes, I know that absolute maybe is an oxymoron. Here are some things to consider before starting a fighting fitness program or actually taking the fighting discipline itself. For the person looking to lose more than 35 pounds I recommend the fitness fighting but only after you have been cleared by your doctor. If you have a bad back or any major joint problems this may not be the way for you.
If you have less than 35lbs to lose or your just bored with your workouts than YES do it! Now-Go do it! Seriously, this is the best cardio and the most fun you will ever have exercising in your life. You will work harder than every before and while your boxing or throwing leg kicks your adrenaline will be pumping so much you wont even know your exercising until you take a break. Then it hits you and your body lets you know, WOW I’m really out of breath!
Fighting for fitness will work every muscle in your body, especially your core, heart, and lungs. It also improves neurological function, balance and coordination. Not only that but the average person can burn between 350 and 500 calories. I have been training clients using kickboxing as a big part of their program and the days we box are the most exciting and intense. Ask any client and 9 out of 10 will tell you that they love fighting the fat more than any other fitness activity!
When starting a fighting fitness program make sure you are with someone who is qualified to teach you proper technique for punches and leg kicks. Just because someone is a trainer with a name tag doesn’t mean they know how to fight. Watch the trainers and see who is boxing and who seems to be the most knowledgeable. Which clients look like they are doing the best job fighting? You could also join a MMA school. This means a place that teaches Boxing, Kickboxing, MUI THAI, Jujitsu (submission fighting) or the like. This could be a little more intense as far as the seriousness of it. There will be more of a focus on skill but also the conditioning.
Either way I say Fighting the Fat is a sure fire way to give your body the Knock Out Punch it needs to get in great shape!
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