In a sport where livelihood and fitness are so closely linked, its no wonder that fighters are in such great shape. Their conditioning is just as important as their talent and skill.
For a fighter, how well-prepared he is usually determines how well he performs. A supremely conditioned fighter can overwhelm a less-conditioned athlete with a constant and unrelenting barrage.
If theyre not in exquisite shape, fighters run the risk of not only losing, but also having their years of hard work and dedication wasted and missing their chance to let their talent and skill show and shine. Thus, fighters take training pretty seriously.
Training is where the mind, the heart, AND the body are pushed and tested.
Even though you may not be planning to walk into the ring anytime soon, that doesnt mean you cant train and look like these elite athletes. Bring a fighters mentality and work ethic to what were going to cover over the next two articles, and youll accomplish this. The skills and conditioning well be hitting will help prepare you for life; every man needs to feel some fight in him.
My background being in boxing, well focus on boxing training. But the TRAINING aspect the roadwork, weights, and sprints will transfer to any discipline of fighting.
Today well look at how we can train like a fighter through cardio, plyometrics, and agility training. Next time well get in the gym for some bag work and weight training.
How to Train Like a Fighter: Cardio, Plyometrics, and Agility Training
Cardio
Weve all seen Rocky wake up early, pound back raw eggs, then head out for a run.
Roadwork is a big part of the sport. But sprinting and more intense forms of cardio are as if not more effective than the slower method of running. Well do both.
Early Morning Roadwork
Roadwork is typically done upon rising on an empty stomach. Ideally run 3-5 miles. Although when Rocky Marciano read that Joe Louis ran 5 miles, he started running 10. Ill leave this up to you.
Do this 5 days a week, and feel free to shadow box as you jog. Itll get you used to throwing punches as you move your feet.
Sprints
Intense bursts of cardio, such as sprints, better replicate the explosive combinations of a fight. They also help boost human growth hormone (HGH) levels, helping us burn fat while maintaining muscle.
Sprints are great for improving conditioning. Theyre also easier on the body due to the lessened impact on our knees when sprinting at full speed (in comparison to the typical heel/toe gait of a jog that creates a high degree of impact on the knees and lower back).
I like performing sprints up hills or stairs due to the added difficulty. If you have access to either, use them. If its your first time running in a while, warm up with 10 minutes of skipping, and only sprint at 85% to avoid pulling anything. After an initial session or two, up the intensity to 95%, then to 100%, and remain there for the duration of the program.