Plank Exercises for the "Core"!

I just wrote a detailed article on what a "Core" muscle is and what it does. Copy and paste the link below into your browser to read up on it. Here are some Plank Exercises perfect for strengthening the core muscles. enjoy!

http://ezinearticles.com/?What-the-Heck-Is-a-Core-Muscle?&id=7019726

Jones vs Evans Post Fight Conference!

Strengthen your Sprawls!

Are you having problems stopping people from taking you down? Learn the science behind the Sprawl then learn how to strengthen your sprawls.

Get Motivated!

Got Motivation? Do you want to get in shape but don't have the motivation to get up and do it? Check out this Article on ways to Get and Stay Motivated to exercise. Copy & Paste the link below into your browser. The only way to do it is to start doing it!

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Get-and-Stay-Motivated-to-Exercise&id=7013002

Explosive Pushups for Power!

The Benefits of Green Tea!

Green Tea has a lot of health benefits. It's one of my favorite drinks. I drink Green Tea 2-3 times a day. It's to the point, I don't add sugar, honey, or any other type sweetener because my taste buds are so used to it. Green Tea can help with Fat Burning, Energy, Anti- Aging and more! Copy and Paste the link in this blog in your browser to see a whole list of health benefits when drinking Green Tea and watch the video below on weight loss. Peace!

http://www.greenteaweightlossfacts.com/benefits/


Green Tea on Weight Loss!

Jones vs Evans Press Conference in ATL!

Can't wait for this fight April 21st! My favorite two fighters in the UFC going head 2 head in Atlanta. This is the press conference for the fight. Many questions answered.

Benefits of MMA Conditioning for the everyday person

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is an exciting and fast growing sport. MMA fighters are one of the most conditioned and in shape athletes with their 6 pack abs and low body fat percentages. A Mixed Martial Artist goes through intense strength and conditioning programs to be able to compete at a high level for 3- 5 minute rounds and 5- 5 minute rounds in a championship fight.

So you may be thinking, "How does all this benefit me, an everyday working person?" MMA Conditioning has many health benefits for the everyday working person. In this article, I will give you 6 reasons to include MMA Conditioning in your workout program.

1.) Endurance

One of the main goals in MMA Conditioning is the increase in Stamina and Endurance through Cardio training. A mixed Martial Artist has to have great cardio and endurance to last those long 5 minute rounds. Cardio is great for the heart, lungs, and the working systems in the body. This type of training is also great for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, fat burning, Stamina, Energy and Endurance for those long physical work days. Researchers at Swinburne University in Melbourne, Australia did a study on 40 employees and found that, cardio increased their brain function, alertness, energy levels, job productivity and their anger and stress decreased.

2.) Strength

Strength training is another part of MMA Conditioning. The workouts involve functional exercises which are movements performed in MMA and everyday activities such as lifting and picking up things, climbing, pulling, pushing, etc. A MMA Fighter has to also have great core strength just like an everyday individual. Having great core strength prevents back injuries and is important in total body movements. When a person has lower back problems and they see their doctor, 9 times out of 10, the doctor tells them they have a weak core.

3.) Balance

How long can you stand on one leg? Do you have problems standing up and putting on your socks or shoes without falling over? Balance is very important in a MMA fight and everyday life. There will be times you are on one leg or have to balance yourself on something. MMA Conditioning drills are great for increasing balance.

4.) Flexibility

Flexibility is very important in everyday activities, whether you are trying to escape a submission move in the ring or reaching up on the top shelf to grab that folder your boss has been asking for. Pulling a muscle can have you limping around the workplace for weeks.

5.) Self-Defense

MMA Conditioning is a sports specific program which focuses mainly on workouts that mimic fighting movements and increase performance. A MMA Conditioning coach can teach you basic self-defense drills that is great for cardio and muscle endurance but also can be used in a tough situation.

6.) Confidence

Completing intense physical activities and seeing the results gives you the confidence to focus and complete any task. It shows you that you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it. You also have the confidence to face obstacles in your life without giving up and backing down.

As you can see, there are many health benefits for the everyday person with MMA Conditioning. I just went over 6 of them but there are plenty more. Next time you put together your workout programs, checkout http://www.youtube.com/TrainCertified to see videos on some MMA Conditioning for fitness ideas and follow me on twitter @TrainCertified for more tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Syncere_Ashcraft


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6993598

Get Certified as a Personal Trainer!

National Exercise & Sports Training Association (Nesta) has some good certifications and Ceu's for Trainers and people looking to start a career path as a Fitness expert. Check it out below.

Pushups Don't have to be boring!

Are you bored with doing pushups? The same up and down movements you been doing forever? I got a pushup circuit I got from one of the top MMA Strength and Conditioning Coaches, Martin Rooney. I made my own pushup circuit and you can be creative and also add different variations of pushups. Try the circuit below and see if you can use that as a template and create yours. Peace!

The 4 minute "No Excuse" Workout!

I'm always hearing people make excuses why they don't exercise and one of the most popular ones is "I don't have time". It's funny because we waste time everyday. Watching reruns on tv, reality shows, music videos, plucking toe nails and even twisting our hair thinking what to do. What makes it even worst, those same people are always saying how they need to lose weight.

Well here's an exercise I call the "No Excuse" workout. It's known in the fitness industry as the Tabata Workout. This workout was created in japan by Dr. Izumi Tabata and a few of his researchers. This workout is a 4 minute workout that is great for cardio, muscle endurance and strength. Here's how it works: It's 8- 20 second rounds with 10 second rest periods in between. So basically you are doing as many reps of an exercise for 20 seconds and resting for 10 seconds and repeat for 8 rounds.

How I like to do it is, I do 4 different exercises the first 4 rounds and repeat those 4 for a total of 8 rounds. For example, Bodyweight squats, shadow boxing, pushups, crunches and repeat. You can get creative with it and do 8 different exercises the whole 8 rounds or 1 exercise for 8 rounds. It doesn't matter as long as you are giving it your all for those 20 seconds. Try 2 circuits of the Tabata workout which would be a 8 minute workout and use the clock below to keep the time and round count for you. Peace!

Quick circuit with a plate

Sometimes you might want to workout but don't have too much time. Circuits are a great way to get a good workout in, in less time. You can increase strength, muscle endurance and also cardio. This video below is a Plate Circuit that can be done as part of your workout program or a few sets as a workout. I did 8 reps of each exercise but you can always do more reps and as many rounds as you need. Check out the video below and enjoy your workout.

For MMA Instructors and Personal Trainers

Do you love training and working with fighters? Or you just want a new and exciting way to train people. I studied and received my certification as an MMA Conditioning Coach from the MMA Conditioning Coach Association. You don't just learn exercises to do, you learn the science behind everything like Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Physiology, etc. You also get tips from one of my favorite MMA strength and conditioning coaches Martin Rooney and much more.

Soon I'm going to be posting an article on the "6 reasons to include MMA Conditioning in your workout program" for those of you wondering how your everyday clients can benefit from training like a Mixed Martial Artist. In the meantime, check out the link below and see what the MMA Conditioning Coach Association has to offer. Peace!