MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)

MMA is a full contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques, from a mixture of martial arts traditions and non-traditions, to be used in competitions. The rules allow the us of striking and grappling techniques, both while standing and on the ground (Wikipedia). I am hopelessly addicted to watching the UFC and WEC. I started watching it a few years ago and was amazed at the fighters styles and techniques. Then I discovered what they do to get in shape for a fight. Just by looking at any MMA fighter you can tell that they are in good shape, ripped muscles, little body fat, and incredible abilities. But what is behind it all, what do they actually do when they workout? 

Watching an episode of The Ultimate Fighter will give you just a glimpse. But watch this video of Brock Lesnar a former Wrestling champion now MMA champion's workout. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbeFz07nFPg

Some common exercises include:

• Single-leg step push-off
• Single-leg dumbbell or kettle bell dead lift
• Pull ups
  
• Medicine ball throws and tosses
  
• Boxing
  
• Grappling
  
• Wrestling
  
• Running uphill
  
• Specialized push ups
  
• Heavy bag tosses
  
• Wind resistant bike
  
• Sledge hammer exercise
  
• Bear crawls
  
• Tire pushes
  
• Wood chop
  
• Snorkel training
  
• And countless others
  

Loss of motivation?

 TO EXERCISE!
For the past couple of months I have not been able to drag myself to the gym. I used to be the person who was there five days a week, what happened? I can not get myself motivated to go even though my pants do not fit. Why do some of us loose our momentum or motivation? Over half of people who start an exercise program stop, so there are a large number of people who have this problem. The most common causes of people not continuing are having a busy schedule, they claim to have better things to do, and get bored. Well here are some things to help you get it back (if you are one of us who has lost our motivation):

• Mix up you workout or do something you like.
  
• Focus on the benefits and we all know there are many of those. 
  
• If you miss a day do not think about it just go the next time and forget it.
  
• Make exercise mean something to you, more then gaining muscle or loosing weight.           It can be making yourself happy, having more energy, or reducing stress. The last one is something we all need as the semester comes to a close!
  
• For some people setting goals (long and short term) help them. 
  
• Get a workout partner.
  
• Take before and after picture or measurements of yourself.
  
• Bring your workout out side! Go for a walk, run, hike, or anything else you like to do.
  
• Personal time, no studying or homework.
  
• Read a book or get some new music to listen to while you workout.
  
• Other people find magazines, movies, or pictures of jacked/ripped people or with your ideal body  helpful.
  
• Read success stories of others who have changed their lives through exercise.
  
• And anything else that will help you.
  

Obesity Epidemic

I am currently writing an essay for one of my classes on obesity and how psychological problems play a part in it. People do not become obese solely by their genetics. But because of lack of exercise, eating too much, and eating unhealthy foods. Why do people do this to themselves? I have found that there is usually an underlying psychological problem and they use food to treat it. 

Gastric bypass surgery is good for some people but does not cure the root of the problem. Patients are not re educated on how to eat right, serving sizes, nutrition, healthy foods, and to exercise more. This surgery is being done more and more at a younger age, under 18. I do not think that this is a good idea at all. Many patients gain the weight back after a few years because the psychological problem was not taken care of. Food is used to treat the problem in most cases, it becomes like an addiction. What do you think? What can we do to stop the growing problem of obesity? 

I recently read an article about a woman who brought her 13 year old daughter to Mexico to have gastric bypass. Her daughter weight over 200lbs and no doctor in the United States would perform the surgery because of her age. I was shocked that anyone would want to do this to their child, at 13 years old. This is getting out of hand, but how do we stop it?  

Why you should be strength training!

Many people, especially women, shy away from strength training. They do not want to bulk up, are intimidated, think it is not useful to them, and many other reasons that are common for not doing it. But here are some reasons you should pick up the weights next time you go to the gym (if you already don't):

• It prevents muscle loss. This becomes more important the older we get.
• Increases your metabolism, which makes your body burn more fat. This can help greatly when one is trying to loose weight.
• Increases the speed of digestion. This lowers your risk of colon cancer because waste does not sit in your body for extended periods of time.
• Decreases risk of injury. Especially the risk of lower back injury, which is very common.
• Decreases risk of heart disease and diabetes.
• Makes you happier!
• It is fun and rewarding to see the results of your efforts.