For the most part, joining an MMA gym is easy, but keeping yourself motivated enough to attend classes regularly can be a tough challenge for even the most hardcore student. MMA is known for its brutal and unforgiving workouts. These training sessions might seem like an exciting challenge when you’re feeling pumped up and ready go, but they can also seem like a grueling and unnecessary form of punishment when you’re sitting a home after a hard day’s work!
So how can you stay mentally focused and hungry for hard training sessions, even on days when you’re feeling tired and down? Here’s a list of tips to get you back in the gym:
Watch MMA videos
Visit YouTube and start watching fights! This is straight entertainment for most of us, but can also be a useful motivator when your energy is low and you’re looking for some inspiration. Watch highlights of your favorite fighters and also check out clips of them training. Realize that the best fighters often put in the biggest investment at the gym. Nothing comes easy in the sport of MMA!
Keep good relations with your instructors
It’s no secret that if you want to get good at MMA, then you’ll need to court the attention of your coaches. By training hard and taking the development of your skills seriously, your coaches will know that you are a worthy investment of their time and expertise. The increased attention from your trainers will have you thinking twice the next time you consider skipping a class!
Don’t eat large meals 2-3 hours before a workout
Putting large amounts of food into your digestive system is a sure way to feel drowsy and unmotivated before training. Try to plan your meals accordingly, and only eat small snacks before a workout. Remember, less is usually better, and you can always bring an energy bar to the gym if your stomach is feeling unpredictable.
Have an energy drink or a coffee before a workout
The effects of caffeine on physical performance have been well studied for many decades. Many elite athletes use caffeine to help boost their output during workouts. Have a shot of caffeine an hour before you leave to the gym to stimulate your nervous system. But don’t over do it – too much caffeine will just give you a racing heartbeat and a sick stomach!
Shadowbox at home
No matter how tired or unmotivated you feel, you can probably find some free space in your home to practice your footwork and maybe even throw a few kicks and punches. This is a great way to wake yourself up, even if you’re half asleep. Shadowboxing can quickly reprogram your mental state and get you into the mood for further training. But don’t just go through the physical actions – analyze how you can sharpen your strikes and tighten your stance. Your mind will soon forget how tired you thought you were and you will feel a fresh desire to get down to the gym and improve your fighting skills.
Warm up at home
Similar to shadowboxing, you can also stretch and do some basic calisthenics to increase your energy. Even if you’re 90% sure that you won’t be visiting the gym that day, tell yourself that at least you’ll be more ready if you happen to change your mind. After 5-10 minutes of muscle stretching and light exercise you may be surprised that the odds have switched, and now you are much more likely to head down to the gym! Tiredness is often a mental state or a shallow physical state that can be easily reversed when the right messages are sent to your body.
Pack your gym bag in advance
It’s always a good idea to pack your MMA gear well ahead of time, as even this small chore can be used as an excuse for not going to the gym. Pack your MMA gloves, shin guards, mouthpiece and whatever else you normally bring to the gym. Get it all together and place it by the door. Often, skipping out on a workout is a decision that is made at the last minute. With your bags packed, you’ll be much more likely to follow through on what you know is the right decision to make!
Train with friends
If possible, try to train with friends or simply befriend people at the gym. Your relations with these people can act as a social force, a kind of peer pressure, that keeps you going to the gym because these people expect to see you there. Psychologists know that social factors play a huge role in our day-to-day lives. Your innate need to belong and conform to social groups can be a powerful motivator. Use it to your advantage. It’s much easier to be pushed into doing something that it is to make the decision solely on your own.