Fighting Look or Fighting Shape

As any true fighter knows, being in fighting shape is more than simply looking fit. There are plenty of wannabes who appear to be bastions of physical fitness, but have done little more than create a false image, through the use of performance enhancing drugs, cutting agents, and the like. You know the type, the guy who brags about bench-pressing his own weight, but doesn’t have the endurance to walk up a flight of stairs, let alone hold out for 10 seconds in the ring. Fight Fit is a state of being, achieved through intense dedication and training, in which the optimum balance of strength and stamina is reached, that allows a fighter to maximize his skills when put to the test.

A few general rules always apply in this realm of physical conditioning:

• Never skip your warm-up or stretching exercises.
  
  
• Gradually increase your physical activity as you become stronger and more agile.
  
  
• Don’t push yourself too much when first starting a physical fitness program.
  
  
• When working out, wear climate appropriate loose fitting training clothing, and remove layers as you warm up.
  
  
• Don‘t skimp on footwear. If you are serious about training, quality running shoes are a must. Replace them often enough to avoid impact stress injuries.
  
  
• Like warming up, cooling down is essential.
  
  
• Always drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy diet.

Interested in a dedicated regimen for getting in top fighting shape? Check out the typical training routine for a Muay Thai Fighter.