How to finally solve your conditioning problem

EZA · 05-29-2008, 07:53 AM

I've read through many posts here and would like to offer some general conditioning advice that is sorely needed in the MMA community and on this forum. I am a Strength & Conditioning Coach and have worked with many high level fighters over the last 5 years (probably more than just about every other strength coach out there),

I'd like to help many of you who are frustrated with your conditioning by offering one simple piece of advice that will change the way you think about conditioning.

If you want to turn yourself into a cardio machine you must STOP following generic programs listed on this forum and figure out what is the exact cause of your lack of conditioning in the first place! The ability to be explosive and powerful over the course of several grueling rounds is the result of many different conditioning pieces.

How much energy you produce is the result of many things such as how much oxygen you can take in, how much blood your cardiovascular system can deliver to your muscles, how efficiently your muscles can use oxygen, how much energy substrate you have stored, how well developed your nervous system is, etc.

The question you need to figure out is which of these systems is the weak link in your conditioning chain. Are you gassing because your heart isn't delivering enough oxygen to your muscles, or because your muscles are poorly developed to use the oxygen, etc.?

There can be several different reasons why you gas but only by figuring out what the exact cause is and training specifically to fix it will you be able to solve your conditioning problem and be the type of fighter that is feared as the fight wears on.

The type of conditioning work that you need depends on the type of development you lack. This the same as in fighting. If you are great on the ground but terrible standing, it's a no brainer that you need to spend time training your stand up. The same principle of working on your weaknesses applies to conditioning as well.

Stop following generic conditioning programs and start figuring out why you are gassing in the first place then create a program to fix your specific problem.

Hope this helps.

Joel Jamieson, CSCS

vince89 · 05-29-2008, 08:41 AM

Good advice but how do I workout which part of my conditioning is the weak link?

rEdShawks · 05-29-2008, 09:18 AM

yeah smart advice, only problem is we not experts would have to hire u or other experts to find the weak link

woodacre · 05-29-2008, 10:42 AM

great advice and seems to make good sense but as said above how would someone without a similar level of knowledge to yourself work out what is the weak link?

Revok · 05-29-2008, 12:25 PM

**Standard** · 05-29-2008, 01:34 PM

While i agree the points that you are making i don't feel specifically addressing one issue is the correct course of action for many of the people that frequent this site. If they are at an elite level and have developed all their systems then it would obviously be the correct time to focus on that one or two aspects that limit their performance.

The average person can and will benefit from a generalized program IMO just because of the simple fact that every system has room to improve. Same as someone trying to be a bodybuilder, sure isolation works for a pro or someone in need of fine tuning but for the normal guy it's not the best use of time. Stick with what hits the most untill your need requires you focus on bringing up something that's lagging. Obviously the example doesn't hold 100% true, but the general point is the same

Artigo · 05-29-2008, 01:51 PM

How do I find out what I'm lacking in?

**Cap'n** · 05-29-2008, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Artigo

How do I find out what I'm lacking in?

Go for a run. What burns out first, legs or lungs?

That's a very simplified look at it, but you get my meaning.

rEdShawks · 05-29-2008, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revok

i dont know how u guys get such videos lol

rEdShawks · 05-29-2008, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Standard

While i agree the points that you are making i don't feel specifically addressing one issue is the correct course of action for many of the people that frequent this site. If they are at an elite level and have developed all their systems then it would obviously be the correct time to focus on that one or two aspects that limit their performance.

The average person can and will benefit from a generalized program IMO just because of the simple fact that every system has room to improve. Same as someone trying to be a bodybuilder, sure isolation works for a pro or someone in need of fine tuning but for the normal guy it's not the best use of time. Stick with what hits the most untill your need requires you focus on bringing up something that's lagging. Obviously the example doesn't hold 100% true, but the general point is the same

thus makes alot of sense, first build up to a level then when u arnt gaining much adress the TS statement