Quote (carteblanche @ Sep 22 2013 02:44pm)
what are your top 2-3 choices for martial arts for beginners? do you recommend sticking to 1-2, taking several simultaneously, learning 1 for a year then rotating to another one, or what?
for whichever martial arts you recommend, can you recommend any resources to learn it without having to go to a martial arts school (or whatever it's called)? eg youtube, books, or any other free/paid resource.
Top three choices? I am assuming workout routine choices specific to MMA. First, I'll start off by mentioning the heavy bag, get one with length, about 5 feet - this will help you learn basics better by throwing punches, elbows, knees, kicks but of course take it in strides. Second would be the speed bag but I recommend looking up "Speed bag training" on YouTube for visual information on technique. Those two are good for beginning martial artists along with having good athleticism and focusing on your technique. For Martial Arts choices, I recommend Kickboxing and Tae Kwon Do for a general knowledge on "striking" although it's best to research local places to see which is best for value/reputation. I suggest sticking with one thing, mastering it, then moving onto the next. Getting a good feel on stand up striking may be a good first entry. If you prefer ground game, even basic Wrestling is great for learning the ground focus attack. It is all based on your preference, there is no right or wrong answer. Just ask yourself what you enjoy doing along with what your body type permits you to do along with your athleticism. For someone tall/lanky, ideally stand up striking is best, but also can be lethal defensively in jiu jitsu with triangle chokes, etc. Youtube is a great way to start, just scroll through techniques that are more "hands on" and that can show you a thing or two. I started at a Krav Maga gym and when I stopped there, I continued my fundamental knowledge on my own, in which I was able to improve my head kicks which I wasn't able to before while learning techniques at the gym.
Quote (frankmir99 @ Sep 24 2013 11:18pm)
im training mma, mostly BJJ atm in the club but yeah, 3 times in a week at most.
I just turned 20
im 260
1.85ish cm
I'm really looking for a diet and I've been trying to get one for a looong time now because I want to get serious about MMA, and obviously also lose weight for healthy issues(i have none atm).
My problem is that people have been telling me what to eat and bla bla.. but the thing is, I cant stick to it. I'm looking for a guy who can put together a diet, that I can follow everyday step by step.
I dont have problems with exercising etc and training hard, I dont feel like I'm a person that's giving up, unless im absolutely exhausted.
The only thing I dont like about working out is running and pushups, I get that running is a big part of losing weight.
I'm looking for some help, do you have any suggestions?
Thanks for stopping by, let's see how I can help you here. The bottom line is you have to command and control your outcomes, but in order to do that, you have to start from the very basics. If you cannot control your food intake, your results will not be the ones you seek. However, start off small! I can get wrapped up in "over-eating" at dinner time and have put on a few pounds since a few months ago...so now I am back in cutting mode as well. Start with one day; like today for lunch at work, I said to myself "Okay, I am going to eat only HALF of my lunch". Done. Tonight I said "I will only put a sizeable portion (not heaping plate) of spaghetti+prawns and NOT go for seconds" - done. Two meals just like that, it's all about putting your foot down and looking at the bigger picture of what you want.
Running is by far the best and absolutely best way for weight loss from my perspective. I recommend running, even if you dislike it. Even 1-2 miles a day at your own pace...anything to get it going. Believe me, I was like you and I hated running and was 5'10 1/2" and 220 lbs at 18 years old. I literally said enough was enough and decided to change my approach. To this day I have not looked back and am so happy I was able to cut so much weight. It feels good to be well rounded in speed, cardio, strength rather than just strength.
As for food, please minimize any sugars, especially sodas and sugary drinks, along with carbs/fats. Focus on eating healthier by incorporating fruits/vegetables and not eating dessert. The easiest way is the "HALF" method as I call it. Simply chop your meals in half and have small ones throughout the day. A sandwich lunch can become two meals if the sandwich is cut in half and eaten within a few hours difference.
Quote (Psyxcho @ Sep 26 2013 06:30pm)
I used to weigh about 230 and now I weigh 160, went through some problems and quit lifting all the time. I want to start back up again, hopefully gain atleast 30 - 40 pounds. tips?
23yrs / 6 ft
First of all, congratulations on your weight cut and I know how it feels. I am proud to hear of this accomplishment and I encourage you to continue your hard work! 30 lbs is not a bad add-on to your 6 foot frame although I wouldn't recommend going higher, unless you're going for some kind of strength/body building competition. It also depends on what you want; if you are doing this on an "MMA focus", I think 190 lbs would suit you better.
If that's the case, I recommend stocking up on your meats; lean chicken/fish/red meat every so often as well as low fats. You want to gain the weight in clean weight, but it will take a very long time, especially if you are aiming for 30-40 lbs of muscle. You'll also have to check with a supplement store to see if they have Optimum Gold Standard 100% Whey or MusclePharm Combat Powder - I like these since they aren't so high in calories and have a good "punch" in terms of protein density, quality, and less of the "bad" stuff. Creatine is also another important supplement for muscle recovery; MusclePharm Assault or any Micronized Creatine Powder will help with your pump, gains and recovery which you can use as a pre-work out. Another thing to note is to not exceed 1.5g protein/1 lb of bodyweight. Also note that, 3500 calories=1 lb - so it is up to you how you decide on the "quality" of calories. A high protein diet will be beneficial and keeping the fats/sugars at a minimum.