Bodyweight Training Background and Intro
Bodyweight training and incorportating bodyweight training into your MMA workout routine is a perfect compliment to a MMA fighters already rigourous training schedule. The difference in bodyweight training is that you focus more on using your own body-”weight” compared to using weights or machines. Some obvious exercises are pushups, situps, dips, pullups, etc.
Personally, I think Bodyweight training should be incorporated into your workout routine, instead of replacing it. There are many routines out there that are pure bodyweight exercises, and those work. But MMA fighters need a little “something” else that increases their overall strength. These exercises may include kettlebell exercises, heavy squats and deadlifts, grip strength exercises, explosive pressing and snatching, sandbag exercises, etc.
Right now as I write this, I am in the middle of training for a MMA fight in April 2009. I currently weigh 245lbs and need to weigh 205lbs for April. I have been a DIEHARD advocate for very heavy lifting, focusing on 1-2 reps for strength. My specialities were heavy deadlifts and push-presses. These two exercises along with supporting exercises were the cornerstone of my routines. As I started to prepare for my fight, I knew that I couldn’t lift like that anymore. For one reason, my fight is 3x 5 minute rounds. Focusing on 1-2 reps with a long rest period was just focusing on explosion, I needed to be able to "last" during my fight. So I would need to increase my reps GREATLY, along with shorten my rest period. I decided to start focusing on bodyweight exercises.




