How Mixed Martial Arts Workouts Can Help Your Health

Thousands of years ago when civilizations were primarily agricultural, humans ate healthy diets with fresher foods and lived lives full of physically demanding tasks like hauling water and plowing fields. Now we can just jump in our cars, grab some grub at the fast food drive through, and drink water from a bottle. While we can't argue with the fantastic advances (who wants to give up indoor plumbing?), we can definitely see some drawbacks, usually around our waistlines. Obesity has become a national health problem.

An Artful Solution

In contrast, MMA workouts can make you physically stronger, reduce your risks for developing serious health problems, and make you mentally sharper and more aware. Mixed martial arts workouts include cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, speed drills, and flexibility improvement.

Even if you are not preparing for a fight, mixed martial arts workouts can be a part of a well-rounded fitness program. Improved balance and coordination will also help prevent falls. Some research has also suggested a possible improvement to immune system function.

More than just physical benefits are possible though. You can also learn how to manage your stress response through meditation. Many martial arts also explore the spiritual aspects of a training program for a whole body-mind-spirit approach to health.

You should also note an increase in stamina and energy as well. Self-control, concentration, self-respect, and confidence can also all increase as you advance in the program you have chosen. People with drug or alcohol dependence have been able to use a martial arts training program as a way of controlling their addiction. Also people with a great deal of aggression or issues of fear can find this type of training helpful.

Mixed martial arts workouts are intense. The exercises strengthen your body and mind, but in a form that's very different from other types of mental-physical workouts like Yoga or Tai Chi. Even if you never plan on being in a fight, mixed martial arts workouts can get you in fighting shape.

Damir Butkovic is the founder of martialartsfreetips.com, an online community for people who need advice about mixed martial arts (MMA). For instant access, free exercise tips, strength training advice and guidelines for proper nutrition, go to martialartsfreetips.com martialartsfreetips.com