Train like an MMA pro – How difficult can it be?

As journalists we normally conduct interviews with a number of local personalities without realising the effort and passion that go into some of their fascinating disciplines.

One discipline I have wrote about for a while has been the steadily growing sport of mixed martial arts. These fighters are some of the fittest and most intense athletes you will ever encounter.

This week I have decided to take a peek into the hectic training schedule of one of the Lowveld’s professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters, Lourens Botes.

Each day I will give an update that will focus on two different training schedules – one on fitness at Training Edge Gym and one that primarily focuses on MMA technique at Rio Grappling.

This is my weeklong tale filled with breathless moments, sore muscles and an appreciation of what it takes to be the best.

Day 1 – I’ll huff and I’ll puff until this workout is finished!

I reckoned that I was in quite decent shape when I woke up this morning at 05:00. After a high-paced 30-minute workout I can safely say that I am definitely not fit enough according to MMA standards. I could barely keep my breathing controlled through the first speedy workout with Lourens.

He also gave me a quick run-through of the workout and mentioned that he normally trained at high intensity to mimic the same fast-paced environment of a real fight.

A fight normally takes place over three rounds consisting of five minutes each. Lourens would then divide his workout into 30 seconds per item. For example he would do as many push-ups and sit-ups in 30 seconds followed by box jumps in between. We started with a five minute cycling session to get the blood pumping and after that we stretched to prevent injury.

“This is a very important aspect as it prevents injury and stiffness the day after. It is also easier to complete a workout,” he said. I felt pretty confident after the first run of exercises, but after 400 reps of various exercises, I was completely finished after my first day. I had to compose myself and through sheer determination I survived, albeit barely.

What stood out for me was the pace and ease with which Lourens performed all the exercises. As a complete beginner I took his advice to heart.

“It will be tough in the beginning, but as your body gets used to it, it will be easier. Well done, now you only need to last the entire week!”

I think its time to get some rest as I begin preparing for tonight’s session at Rio Grappling as well as day two’s strength exercises.

It’s what you put in!