There is always this rough image that comes to mind when one thinks about MMA. The striking, grappling, and ground fighting put together create a full-contact, intense and exciting sport, inviting you to watch. Or even bet on it! Not every sport has a Conor McGregor who shouts, “I’m going to break my opponent down” followed by “Is when I step foot in this octagon when I finally feel totally free”.
However, indulging yourself in it personally is something totally different—it takes you to this whole new world. You don’t have to be the next Tony Ferguson, Michael Chandler, Justin Gaethje, or Charles Oliveira to give yourself permission to blow off some steam and enjoy the enormous benefits of mixed martial arts. This sport is considered to be a great way to improve physique, to push you to think critically and strategically, and to enrich your social life, even if that means catching up on fights and rummer at a bar and discussing Conor McGregor’s trash-talking of the UFC 274 events, or who at the table has gotten lucky this week at Batway
The Health Benefits of MMA
Another great motivator that will trigger you to get into MMA is the desire to be in tune with your body and looking to be in a good shape, especially now with summer around the corner. The health benefits here are countless, including both the mental aspect and the cardiovascular health. Due to its active workout, this sport plays a great role in preventing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, as well as depression. The high intensity work-out results in fat burning and an increase of strength, helping in maintaining a healthy weight balance and gaining a confidence boost.
Building Life-Long Friendships
Apart from the health benefits, MMA trainings are dynamic, fun, and help in enriching your social life. Quickly after starting to exercise, you will find that the increased dopamine and serotonin levels are making you a happier person, and easier to interact with as a result. Many of the people you will exercise with, will hold you accountable for missing sessions and challenge you to continue showing up. Through pep-talks and rapid improvements of your performance, you will notice and come to highly appreciate the team building spirit that defines this community. They have done it all before, so they know how things work and how to support each other in becoming the best version of themselves. They are exactly the people that will become lifelong friends, whether that means going out for drinks on a Saturday night, or for a run on a Sunday morning.
Thinking Smarter
In a sport where a variety of techniques such as: wrestling, judo, karate, jujitsu, and others are combined, thinking strategically, and learning how to anticipate and react to opponent’s moves become must-acquire skills. Making smart decisions will quickly be a strong part of your daily routine, even in stressful situations and in the most tiresome state of body and mind. MMA will help you grow resilient and equip you with the knowledge and strength to better handle life’s day-to-day challenges.
With a combination of different fighting skills, MMA will transform you in and out. The nature of mixed martial arts will make you feel healthier and happier. Moreover, you will become part of a like-minded community, which will give you the sense of belonging. If you haven’t joined MMA yet, now is a good time to start.