The subject of MMA training and flexibility are not spoken
about together often enough. Among the reasons for this is that
most MMA practitioners will try to focus the bulk of their
training attention on the arts that comprise MMA.
Certainly, that would be a wise step since you want to develop
and enhance your MMA skills to the highest level.
But, could you possible reach your highest potential if
your body was limited in terms of its movement?
I think not!
Look at it this way:
Imagine if you only had the flexibility to kick-lift your feet
in to the point where they are only reach slightly over the
waist.
Would you have the ability to deliver head kicks with such a
limitation?
Would your ability to use your guard be as effective if your
range of motion was so limited?
More than likely, you would not be able to get the most out of
your performance with such limitations. That is why the need for
increasing flexibility is so very vital.
Constraints
Now none of us like constraints. Whenever you have constraints
on how your body performs, you will be limited in said
performance.
For those of us who want to be top athletes it would be wise
to expand your attributes in as many ways possible. Flexibility
is a key attribute to possess which is why it is worth
developing.
Mobility
Mobility on the ground is also enhanced by increased
flexibility. Far too often, people will put too much emphasis on
bridging, exploding, or other performance charged movements.
They spend precious little time on flexibility for grappling.
This is a mistake because a wider range of flexibility will free
the body to perform on the ground in ways it otherwise would
not.
That means your athletic skill and performance will be boosted
to a much higher level as a result.
Also, there is an old saying: "The more time you spend
stretching, the less time you spend injured." I know
this was the case for me. I would frequently pull my groin if I
didn't stretch well.
When you are flexible, you
reduce a number of potential serious injuries.
Rather that put yourself in such danger, would it not be wiser
to invest a serious amount of time enhancing your flexibility?
When you are injured, you also end up losing training time.
You also run the risk at not being able to reach your prior
peak success levels when you do return.
(Nagging injuries can create limitations that permanently
alter performance) So, if you want to avoid injuries, investing
time in boosting your flexibility is highly recommended.
Does that mean you need to invest significant amounts of
time in the process of increasing flexibility?
Honestly, a few minutes of stretching a day would yield
significant gains over time.
Attending one, one hour yoga class a week consistently would
also potentially deliver great results. You need not assume you
need to go all out to see increased
flexibility gains.
Or you could of course stretch while watching TV on the
Versaflex. This is what I do and boy does it help! I am not a
Yoga fan so this is my choice. Now yoga of course is good for you
I just am too antsy to be that still!
An increase in flexibility will lead to an increase in MMA
performance. This is something that is not deniable. That is why
anyone serious about succeeding in MMA needs to make flexibility
training a regular part of their exercise regimen.
I just happened to use the Versaflex but you have lots of
choices!