Proper Strength Training Is Often Overlooked
by Vince on Jul.14, 2010, under Training Tips
One thing that seems to be over looked is proper strength training and conditioning. Proper strength training and conditioning can mean a few different things to people so lets go over them.
The first thing that fighters need to realize is that strength training is absolutely necessary for fighting. While, it is not a magic pill(like it is for Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin haha), it is still something that you need to put some time into. Far to often people will focus on just technique. While, I can’t argue against the fact that technique will beat strength 90% of the time, what happens when you meet someone that has the same skill level as you?
All things being equal in terms of skill, chances are that who ever is stronger and more in shape is going to win. It really is that simple.
Another thing that needs to be talked about is lifting in regards to strength training. Most guys will focus on the regular lifts..I.E. bench press and squats. While there is nothing better for raw strength than those exercises you are missing out on many different kinds of exercises for explosive strength.
Being a fighter means that you want to have explosive strength. Have a bunch of raw strength that makes you slow as a snail is useless. You want to be able to quickly explode. Hitting your opponent before he even knows what happens to him. Speed is king here. Powerful speed(=speed+strength) is a killer. There are many exercises that will train your muscles to move quickly and powerfully. Plyometrics are a great example of that. Sprinting is another example of training your fast twitch muscle.
I am also trying to learn more stuff. My perspective is that the only time I will stop learning is when I die. You can learn something from everyone. It doesn’t matter if he is a world champion in Wrestling or he has only boxed for a day. Everyone has a story and can help you out in some way. Because of this thirst for knowledge, I am always trolling around the web to find stuff I can use to get better.
That is how I came across Eric Wong. Eric currently trains some guys with the UFC and is their personal strength coach. I would recommend checking out his site. He might be able to offer you some insight to your strength training program like he has for me.
And as always,
Keep on Rockin!
