MMA Training for Women
Mixed Martial Arts or MMA is hands-down one of the fastest growing sports in the world. MMA shows are now being shown on cable channels, Pay-Per-View, as well as network tv as well. MMA athletes are also beginning to get the big money sponsors, starting with UFC Welterweight champion, Georges St-Pierre signing a very lucrative deal with Gatorade. As the sport has been growing, more and more women have been getting involved - either as athletes or just casual students looking for a great workout.
Women are fighting regularly and it is entertaining although not as popular yet as men's MMA! Almost every major production except the Ultimate Fighting Championship has held professional Womens MMA matches. Gina Carano has quickly risen as the face of Women's MMA due to her alter-ego as "Crush" from American Gladiators and the the star of Oxygen channel's Fight Girls. The highly-anticipated fight between Gina and Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos will be the first Women's MMA Megafight. So now that Women’s MMA is popular should women start to train in it – even if they don’t want to fight?
Well, if you are a Woman who wants to get into shape and looking for a new fun way to do it, MMA training is the way to go. Spinning, yoga, and tae bo classes don’t compare to MMA workouts. Not only are Mixed Martial Arts exciting and motivating, but they provide benefit beyond a tight midsection and toned legs and arms – MMA classes teach women to defend themselves effectively! Furthermore, you have the added benefit of improving your functional fitness rather than limiting yourself to a single type of physical conditioning.
Bottom line: if your local MMA gym does not offer any type of Women’s Only training, it is old and outdated (or their training atmosphere is so women-UN-friendly, that they have been unable to sustain a Womens class). The future for women’s self-defense, fitness, and training is here – MMA- based workouts are a surefire way to whip your self back into shape and learn how to kick some butt!
Jon Delbrugge
