Mixed martial arts athletes have to face more physical hardships than athletes from any other disciplines as many traditional and non-traditional fighting techniques and maneuvers are allowed. This makes following of proper fitness and nutrition regimes all the more important to them. The importance of these was not felt earlier as cunning, stealth and speed were considered the forte. However, with the addition of some of these martial art forms in international sports event like the Olympics, competition has become severe. Now mixed martial art athletes strive hard to gain physical strength while not losing agility and speed.
Mental strength and strategy are essential for success in any field. But mixed martial arts calls for additional physical strength. This provides for added speed, agility, endurance, flexibility, and the capability of the body to recover quickly after a punishing bout. A strong body can increase confidence and thereby bring victory too.
However, gaining the required strength is not an instant process. Proper eating habits coupled with scientific workout regimen are of paramount importance here. These processes need to continue for long periods of time. Physical fitness cannot be earned by work out alone. It is common knowledge that physical exertion wears out the body. This is where the requirement of added nutrition supplements come into play.
Proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals are essential for our physical as well as psychological well being. An impoverished body clogs up the mind thereby prevent clear thinking and planning. Proteins are made up of amino acids. There are about twenty types of amino acids, eight of them being considered highly essential. Human body cannot produce these eight amino acids on its own, which means you need to supplement them from some source. Moreover, proteins are directly involved in the functioning of almost all organs of our body and its immune system.
Carbohydrates provide energy to the body. A mixed martial art athlete need to intake natural foods rich in carbohydrates to keep his body fit and trim. Carbohydrate foods rich in fiber helps keep body fat down, increases performance and steadies body sugar levels. Two grams of carbohydrates for each pound of body weight every day is enough to meet the energy requirement of a highly active person.
Every cell of our body requires the direct use or interaction with vitamins and minerals for proper functioning. Vitamin deficiency can cause several ailments. Calcium deficiency could lessen bone strength which can be detrimental to the career of a mixed martial arts athlete. Whatever the traditionalists have to say, fitness and nutrition definitely play a significant role in the life of a mixed martial arts athlete.
Author Resource:
Jeff Patterson has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in Nutrition, you can also check out his latest website about
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