VERSAFLEX AND STRETCHING FOR MMA
Flexibility: It Is Vital for MMA 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 pf 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." Truer words are not imaginable. 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 to 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.
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