In the last blog post I talked about what you can do at home to further and better your martial arts classes. I hope you read that and started trying out some of the idea.
If not then now is as good a time as any to get started!
Now, for today I have another training idea for you. It’s called “circuit training”. I’ll walk you through it don’t worry, read on.
I think a good move on your part would be to add in a short but intense circuit weight lifting/body movement session immediately following your martial arts classes. Maybe once or twice a week. Not only will you burn a lot of fat but you’ll also get stronger and in better shape.
What is circuit training or a circuit lift? It’s a type of training you do that combines strength, speed and cardio all into one workout. Most of the time you do circuits with weight and you move from one station to the next with little to no rest in between.
Circuit training is kind of like the new craze in gyms across the world thanks to programs like CrossFit. However, truth be told, circuit training has been around for many years (40+). Guys like Wrestlers, Boxers and Judo Players have been doing them for a long time. It’s only now that the rest of the world is catching on to the fat burning and fitness benefits they offer.
They work and get you in shape. If you need proof just look at the people who do them, they’re ripped and in tip top shape.
My only thing with circuit training is to not overuse them. You should be changing your routine every 4-5 weeks and mixing things up. Like 4 weeks you do a circuit lift after martial arts class then for the next 4 weeks you focus on power training and lifting as much as you can.
An example of a circuit lift would look something like this:
- Medicine ball squats
- Medicine ball push ups
- Rope rows
- Jumping squats
- Handstand push ups
- Tug of war
You get the idea. Just mix up a bunch of different movements to attack different parts of the body like legs, arms and back. It can be a longer circuit or shorter one, depending on your level of fitness.
If you need help setting up a circuit or need ideas remember you can always just come talk with the staff. We have many people at Ivey League MMA that know and understand circuit training and fitness. Students like Platinum Members Mike Gober, David Miller and Chrissy Smith would be the “go-to” people in the school for ideas and help regarding getting in shape and strength training 101.
I hope this helps and remember, you should always be looking for new ways to better your martial arts training. Always be studying and learning, it never ends!
–Master Danny Ives
