Read 82 times since Thursday, July 21, 2011
Mixed Martial Arts training is among the most intense, physically taxing activities you can engage in. In the old days, martial arts training would consist of going to several classes per week in your chosen art and maybe some cardio to help your efforts.
Now, the modern day MMA fighter is usually training in four or five disciplines: muay thai, wrestling, striking, jiu jitsu, judo; and doing weight training and tons of cardiovascular conditioning work as well.
In fact, in a recent interview on Pro MMA Radio, former UFC Lightweight World Champion Sean Sherk said that he has done as many as four training sessions per day, six days per week before a fight.
And WEC Featherweight World Champ Urijah Faber trains anywhere from 4-6 hours per day, year round! Is there any question why he's the best 145 pound fighter on the planet? Quite simply, he outworks everybody.
Whether you're an MMA fighter, a bodybuilder or an athlete from any other sport, you'll face one critical issue that you have to solve to be successful. How can I train at maximum intensity to be the best I can be and recover fast enough from those training sessions to get back to business the next day and not hurt myself or be dragging my ass through the workout like I'm 100 years old?
One key component to the answer is proper supplementation aimed at optimum recovery. Let's take a look at a few things that can significantly enhance recuperation and get you back to hitting the pads or working on that rear naked choke tomorrow like a champ.
Whey Protein:
When you get down and dirty in the gym and get your fight drills and cardio on, the intensity generated during MMA workouts will often go through your pre-workout carbs long before the session is over. Once that happens, your body will likely turn to your lean muscle tissue and break it down for energy. Not good.
Given that losing lean muscle tissue will make you weaker, this is the last thing any MMAer wants. But, there's an easy solution... replenish that protein as soon as possible after the workout and get yourself back on the right track. The sooner you feed that muscle tissue, the better and faster you'll recover.
Glutamine:
Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid that accounts for half of the amino acids in your muscle tissue. When you workout, glutamine levels in your muscle tissue become severely depleted, slowing recovery and recuperation and limiting strength levels. As a result, supplementing with glutamine post workout is critical if you want to get the most out of the workout you just completed, as well as that grappling session you have coming up a few hours from now.
BCAA's:
Branched Chain Amino Acids ("BCAAs") are three essential amino acids, Isoleucine, Leucine and Valine, that the body cannot make on its own. As a result, they must be supplied by your food and/or supplement intake.
If you do not have sufficient BCAA levels in your system, your body will break down your muscle tissue to get the BCAA it needs. Intense workouts, cardiovascular workouts and lowered calories (like when you are trying to make weight for your fight) all deplete BCAA. And an added benefit of BCAA is that they also help replenish glutamine, which we've already discussed is necessary after you workout as well. Sport and Supplements offer value added products and supplies for the fitness and gym enthusiast, visit http://sportandsupplements.com for the latest products now.
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