MMA Can Offer A Great Workout For Men, Women, Children

For the past few years I’ve been getting the bulk of my exercise in boxing or martial arts gyms. MMA, which stands for mixed martial arts, is the newest trend in martial arts, and it seems that boxing gyms and martial arts gyms everywhere are currently undergoing a conversion into MMA gyms. Although I have to say that boxing is, and has remained, my favorite way to work out, MMA gyms can offer a great way to stay in shape for any age group, and for men and women at that.

First thing I have to tell you: punching, kicking or hurting people is not a requirement for doing an MMA workout. The idea is that you go through the motions, and by practicing punches or kicks, you tone your muscles and lose weight — and if you stick with it, you will get in shape. Trust me.

When I first started out six years ago with Tae Kwon Do, I was surprised that simply punching and kicking could make you so tired! Recently a friend of mine explained that punching, usually done above the level of one’s heart, is inherently tiring because it forces your body to pump blood upwards, rather than going with gravity down towards the lower half of your body. This may explain why, after a one-minute or three-minute round, you can find yourself panting harder than you ever did while running.

Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind before you go off to your nearest MMA gym. Like other forms of exercise, you absolutely most not over-exert yourself, because frankly, if you do there could be permanent damage to your knees or shoulders in particular, but generally you could hurt yourself.

Speaking of which, a few good things to look for before you lay down your monthly membership:

• Is the gym relatively clean? (This can speak to how seriously the owners take their business)
• Is it friendly, do children hang out there, are there women? (MMA can unfortunately be filled with macho types that may not create a nice workout environment)
• Do you see the instructors correcting the form of their students? (Thus preventing injury)
• Do you feel comfortable there? (This is key for whether you will actually work out)

Finally, I know some people freak out a little bit at the thought of violence, but I assure you, this type of workout will work your entire body. And if you find a great gym, you’ll never feel better in your life. Anyway, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to comment below and I’ll get back to you!

Follow Sara Inés Calderón on Twitter @SaraChicaD.