Tips on How to Prevent Injury in Mixed Martial Arts
The mixed martial arts (MMA) arena is filled with fighters who are rugged. But even the toughest can be injured. The body must be properly conditioned on a routine basis to take on the strenuous activity of MMA. Pulled muscles, stretched tendons, and even broken bones are not uncommon with MMA athletes.
For tips on how to prevent injury in mixed martial arts, consider some of these basics:
Stretching
Most athletes already realize the importance of stretching before and after any workout or event. Stretching prepares the muscles for activity by “waking” them up. Stretching improves the circulation to the muscles and increases flexibility. Stretching after an activity helps to calm the joints and muscles and reduces the chances of soreness later. For MMA work, it is best to perform several stretching exercises that target all muscle areas including the back, neck, legs, arms, hips and chest.
Strength Training
Working on your strength is a must-have routine for MMA fighters. Exercises in strength training will help your muscles and joints withstand more serious punishment in the ring. Using weights along with push-ups, pull-ups and cross-training provides a variety of workouts that can help all areas of the body. Always include some cardio work to help your stamina and endurance.
Diet
What you eat and when you eat can make a world of difference in any MMA match. Rapid weight loss prior to an event is not recommended. Instead, work on the proper nutritional intake to prepare your muscles and increase your energy levels. The infamous “carb load” is actually quite effective for MMA fighters and other athletes. Prior to a match, start with a diet including 50% carbohydrates six days before the event, and then increase to 70% carbs three days before the event. Carbs can include pasta and bread. A high protein diet, in general, is great for athletes, with moderate amounts of fat. Be careful of when you eat a meal prior to the match. Try to eat several hours before the MMA fight. This will allow your body time to regulate and process just in time to release the energy for your event. After the fight do not forget to eat a proper, normal meal to restore your body and get ready for the next workout or activity.
Mental Prep
Getting your mind in the right emotional state can also help you to prevent injuries. Use meditation to reduce the stress and anxiety prior to a fight and to visualize your performance. Your body will respond by mimicking your visualizations. After the fight, use meditation to reduce pain and to calm the muscles.
Inevitably, even with tips on how to prevent injury in mixed martial arts, something can go wrong. Overexertion can strain muscles and joints. The fight itself can bruise muscles or push tendons to the breaking point. And the intense activities surrounding MMA battles can create numerous aches and pains . Treat every injury carefully regardless of the severity. The Marc Pro device is great to have on hand to prepare muscles before a bout and provide a speedy recovery afterwards. Marc Pro allows you to recovery quickly and fully, which prevents over-use injuries. Bring your A game to the next event.