The Importance of Balance in MMA Fitness and Training

Mixed martial arts (MMA) and MMA fitness regimensbody to lift weights. Repeat the whole process, this
usually focus on developing speed, strength andtime standing on the other leg.
staying power, but not every regimen focuses on4. Standing on your hands. Try to do this for one
balance. And yet, balance can spell the criticalminute to enhance balance and strengthen your
difference between winning and losing a competitionshoulders and arms for MMA fitness. When it
between two fighters who are equal in all else.becomes easy, work in some variations like walking on
Good balance enhances mixed martial arts fightingthe hands.
techniques, particularly grappling; and develops the5. Grappling Balance Knee on Bag. From here on, you
stabilizers on the ankles, hips and core. It also assistswill need the help of a partner or your MMA fitness
injury prevention and gives a fighter better self controltrainer. Grappling involves using a knee on the
and control of his opponent.opponent's belly to dominate ground fighting. To
Balance training should not replace any part of anstrengthen your balance in this position, place a very
MMA fitness workout. Instead, it should be added as aheavy bag on the floor, then do the knee belly position
supplement. Just five minutes of a couple of balanceon top of it. Let your trainer move the bag around by
exercises before an MMA fitness and training sessionpushing, pulling and twisting it, trying to displace you. Try
can make a huge difference. Here are some balanceto keep your balance while he does this.
exercises that you can do:6. Grabbed Leg. A typical MMA fitness fighting
1. One leg stand. Stand on one leg, and then stand ontechnique is to lift the leg of your opponent. If you can
the other. You will wobble, at first, but later you will getkeep your balance you need not land on the ground.
used to it as your MMA fitness improves. When itLet your trainer hold one leg up and move it around
becomes too easy you can vary the stance bytrying to make you fall. You should bounce around on
adding a tilt of the body, or putting one arm out to thethe other leg and stay standing.
side, punching the arms, or moving the face side to7. Armless grappling. Take on either a side mount or
side.north-south position with your hands behind your head.
2. One leg, one arm row. This simply involves standingYour trainer will try to dislodge you, while you must try
on one leg and raising the other leg behind you, withto stay on top relying on just your leg strength and
yourself facing the ground. In this position, your bodybalance.
should be forming a "T" shape. Then with one arm8. Eyes wide shut. Advanced fighters can do restricted
perform a paddle row movement as though you weretraining with eyes closed for balance. Shadow boxing,
rowing a boat. Repeat the exercise on the other leg.wrestling and ground fighting with eyes closed will do
3. One-leg stiff one-leg deadlift. Stand upright with onejust as well in balance and MMA fitness.
leg with one leg bent behind you. Then lower your