Last week I flew down to Boca Raton Florida for my Strength and Conditioning Certification for Mixed Martial Arts with JC Santana.
I went down there for two reasons.
The first was a selfish reason. Having started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu about a year ago, I wanted to learn how to improve my own conditioning.
The second reason is that I wanted to learn how I could modify the training regimens of these elite fighters and apply them to my boot campers.
What I didn't expect was that I was going to learn how champions approach training, and how I could use that not only for myself, but also for my clients.
No matter what your feelings are on the often brutal sport of MMA, there is no question that these fighters are some of the best conditioned athletes in the world.
Having to fight at precise weight levels the athletes are lean, strong, powerful, and very nimble.
I wanted to learn the routines and strategies these warriors use, and apply them to my "weekend warriors".
Juan Carlos Santana, one of the top strength coaches in the world, led us through some sample circuits.
(Me in all black training on the PowerMax 360)
You can check out a video of us going through a circuit here.
He gave us a lot of information on how he and his team prepare his fighters to outlast the competition. (Isn't this what many of us are trying to do in the real world? Have the stamina to be the best at work, and have incredible energy to spend with our family and loved ones.)
JC demonstrated both the science and real world application. Just like at boot camp, smart programming with consistent effort can produce excellent results.
Probably the most valuable part of this weekend was the question and answer period with the fighters.
(MMA Fighters at IHP Fit in Boca Raton, FL)
The fighters reminded me what it takes to be champion.
- No excuses.
- Unrelenting passion, focus, and determination.
- Extreme dedication.
- Commitment to being the best.
My take away from the weekend was a reminder of how often I feel sad and frsutrated that so many people quit, or sell themselves short.
I see it time and time again in my clients.
The tools are here to reach the highest levels in health and in life.
Aren't you in a fight for your life?
To be the best mom or dad? To be the best at your profession? And so on...
Don't back away...step up and fight.