MMA Strength Workout

An effective MMA strength workout plan is one that results in meeting your strength goals in a S.M.A.R.T. way. A S.M.A.R.T. strength workout plan is:

• Specific
• Motivational
• Attainable
• Results Oriented
• Time Bound

Let's review each of these aspects in light of how they can improve your MMA strength plan.

First, a strength plan should be specific. You should know exactly what you want to accomplish. A well stated, specific strength goal might be to increase your weight on a clean press by 20 pounds within 30 days. This is an objective that can be measured. At the end of working your plan, you will know if you achieved your goal because it was clear. There should be no ambiguity when you are creating a S.M.A.R.T. strength plan.

Next, your goal ought to be motivational. Most people work better if they see the light at the end of the tunnel so to speak. You can choose a goal that is motivated by an event or a fight coming up soon. You can choose a goal that is meant to motivate those around you to push harder themselves. Another way to have a motivational goal is to plan a reward for yourself if you accomplish it on time. The reward you choose will depend largely on the size of the goal and your personal preferences. A smaller goal might result in a piece of new MMA clothing whereas a larger goal might result in buying a new set of plates.

A goal is no good if you can't reach it. Your strength plan goal should be attainable. Make note, this is not the same as easy. You need to remember you are doing all of this mental work in the goal setting so you can achieve great things physically. If you set a goal to add 100 pounds to your clean press in the next two weeks, you will probably be disappointed in yourself. And the other guys at the gym will laugh at you behind your back. If you work with a trainer, or have a trusted workout buddy, discuss creating an attainable goal with them and see what they think. Most MMA athletes work in group settings to practice their skills and these guys know you will. Hopefully they'll be honest with you about what may or may not be attainable.

And of course, your goal should be results-oriented and time bound. A S.M.A.R.T. goal will produce a change in you when you get to the end. If the goal itself doesn't result in change, it might be because of your effort, or it might mean you were not specific enough in what you hoped to achieve. It is important to put a deadline on your goal and make it time bound so you can measure your results and know if you have achieved them or not.

Many of these five steps to creating a MMA strength plan overlap one another. Sit down and think about what you want to accomplish in your strength plan and then apply the S.M.A.R.T principles. This will get you a step closer to being the MMA athlete you want to be.