It’s not only the start of a New Year, but a new decade. If you’ve read my last post on how to ACTUALLY set and achieve your New Years Resolution goals, then you’re on the right track, assuming you’ve begun applying the first 3 steps.

Check out the blog post here if you havn’t read it yet.

If one of your goals for the new year will be to improve your performance for mixed martial arts, fitness, or both, you’ve come to the right place.

This year one of MY New Year’s resolutions is to really help you guys out in getting in better overall shape, specifically strength and conditioning for MMA.

That being said, this blog will hopefully be a much bigger help to you and your goals moving forward. So let’s say you want to start off the New Year with a bang. You want to get in elite fighters shape, whether to fight, compete, or just look and know you damn well could if you needed to.

One of the first places to look is at your current MMA strength and conditioning routine. Do you have one? Or do you just wing it? For most people, they either construct their own mma workout programs each day as they feel, or they think they are getting a good enough workout in the regular MMA skills training.

The problem with these two approaches is that you’ll never really improve your strength and conditioning for MMA to the point where you’ll have an advantage over your competitors.

Sure, you might (and should) be progressing nicely in your MMA technique and skills training with your instructor or class, but if you’re not putting in the same deliberate practice in your MMA strength and conditioning workouts you’re giving up a huge advantage.

So where to begin? The first place to begin is to learn from the experts. Since most people either can’t find or afford a specialized trainer specifically for mma strength and conditioning, the next best thing is to follow a proven program.

I have broken down and reviewed the top three MMA strength and conditioning programs out today, where everything from exercises, diet and nutrition, full on programs, and more are covered. All you have to do is follow instructions.

1) Eric Wong’s Ultimate MMA Strength and Conditioning Program
(Best overall MMA strength and conditioning program out today)

2) Jim Smith’s Combat Core Training
(All about training the core muscles most used for combat athletes)

3) Eric Wong’s MMA Ripped
(Best program for fan’s and fitness enthusiasts who want to train like a fighter without being one)

By starting off with one of these programs in the new year, you will be well on your way to making 2011 THE year to really step up your MMA strength and conditioning goals.

Not only will you get results after completing one of these programs, but you will have the knowledge and experience to THEN start experimenting with your own workouts and exercises since you’ll have a hell of a lot more knowledge the before. Start building your mental and physical momentum now, and make 2011 your year.

Hope this helps,

Derek Manuel

MMA Strength and Conditioning