When you talk to somebody that is interested in starting MMA training, a response you’ll often get is “I want to start doing MMA, but I need to get in shape first.”
This really isn’t necessary, because MMA in itself can help you drop any extra weight you have.
In this article, we look at 8 reasons to train MMA for weight loss. Hopefully, after reading through these tips, they will encourage you to hit your weight loss goal through training in Mixed Martial Arts.
MMA burns a lot of calories
Training MMA for weight loss is a great idea because it burns a lot of calories. If you want to lose weight fast, you have to burn calories, and there is nothing better than training MMA.
Depending on your size and how hard you’re working, a one-hour training session can burn 750 calories or more. If you train four times a week, that equals around 3000 calories burned. This means you burned around a pound of fat practising mixed martial arts in just one week.
These high-calorie burning workouts will get you to your weight loss goal in no time.
MMA is an all in 1 workout
Another great reason that training MMA for weight loss is a great idea is that it’s an all-in-one workout. That means that consistently doing the workouts will improve your strength & conditioning, as well as your flexibility.
Every MMA class starts with a warm-up to get your heart rate up as well as a stretching routine. Then in the main part of the class, you get a workout that will improve both your conditioning, technique, and physical strength.
You will start to see immediate improvements to your overall health by doing these all-in-one MMA training sessions.
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MMA teaches self-defense
Not only is MMA training good for weight loss, but it’s also one of the best self-defense systems you can learn. You never know what could happen in your life and that includes being confronted with violence.
As you gradually get in shape and lose weight, you will also develop your self-defense skills. You will learn how to defend yourself against strikes and how to take your opponent to the ground. Once on the ground, you can control an attacker until the police arrive to assist you.
Self-defense is an important life skill to know and MMA is a great choice for this reason.
MMA promotes a healthy lifestyle
One thing that helps people lose weight is being in an environment where a healthy lifestyle is encouraged. The martial arts culture does just that.
When you start to train, you will realize that to improve your performance, you must make lifestyle changes. The changes include everything from drinking more water, eating healthier, and getting more sleep to progress on the mat.
Once you lose weight, you will be encouraged to stick with your MMA training to keep that weight off.
The MMA Community
Not only does MMA promote a healthy lifestyle, but it has one of the best communities to help you get there. By training MMA for weight loss, you will be part of the MMA community and make lifelong friends.
MMA training partners develop a very close relationship with one another. Your training partners will always push you to be the best you can be on and off the mat.
When you have a weight loss goal, being part of a community like this is an invaluable asset. Being around the positivity of the community will help you easily reach your goal.
More MMA mat time = less time drinking
MMA training can take up a lot of your time. For many people trying to lose weight, that’s a good thing. Many of us like to go out for a pint or two at the pub after a day of work to relax.
But along with those pints, we also like to indulge in a lot of bar food like pizza or chips. That is why it’s probably better to spend your time training than spending your free time drinking.
By spending more time on the mat, you won’t have to worry about gaining weight from drinking and eating junk food.
Compete in your own weight class
You may start your Mixed Martial Arts journey to lose weight, but after a while, you can get the urge to compete. MMA tournaments are fun and can be a goal for people that are losing weight.
These tournaments are separated by experience level and weight classes. So not only will you have a target weight you want to hit, but you will also have to get down to a weight class.
Once you burn that extra weight off, you’ll be encouraged to keep your weight around your desired weight class. This way you will keep your weight down and stay ready for your next fight.
MMA is fun
Maybe the most important reason to learn MMA for weight loss is that it’s fun. There is nothing better than getting on the mats with your friends after a long day of work.
It’s fun to learn new techniques and get sweaty as you roll around with your training partners. It’s hard to describe to those that don’t train, but training MMA is some of the most fun you can have.
Also when you’re having fun doing something, it will make it easier for you to lose weight. You’ll stick with it and continue training long after you have reached your weight loss goal.
Should You Train MMA For Weight Loss?
MMA is one of the best choices you can make if you want to lose weight. The training sessions are intense, high-calorie-burning workouts that are fun and make you want to keep training.
There are tons of benefits of training MMA. Not only are the workouts hard and fun, but you’ll make friends and be part of a great and supportive community. Mixed Martial Arts can change your life and make you a happier and healthier person.
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