Are you searching for “MMA gyms near me”? If so, there are some things you should know before you enroll. For example, you need to know how to protect yourself from injuries commonly sustained during martial arts training. Did you know it’s possible to injure your back if you do any type of martial arts without proper form? While back pain is normal to experience occasionally, you shouldn’t have to deal with it frequently. Back pain can become debilitating if it’s severe enough to interfere with your everyday movements.
Martial arts practitioners have a high risk of experiencing back discomfort. The joints and muscles can become strained because of the rigorous nature of the activity. Whether you currently have back pain or you want to avoid experiencing it in the future, there are things you can do. Here are some ways you can protect your back while working on your martial arts at nearby MMA schools.
Work on Core Strength First
Any private MMA training instructor will let you know that core strength is essential when it comes to martial arts. If your core is weak, you’re more susceptible to injuries. You must work hard to strengthen your core muscles, which are the muscles that wrap around your abdomen, spine, and sides. They are responsible for keeping your body upright and give your midsection strength and stability.
Developing a strong core can give you six-pack abs, but the benefits go much further than that. When your core is strong, there is usually less stress on your spine. When your spine isn’t too stressed, it’s less likely to become injured when you visit the “nearest MMA gym to me.”
Engage in Cross-Training
Most serious athletes don’t stick to just one sport or activity. Instead, they engage in cross-training as it’s a great way to build strength in many different muscle groups. Additionally, It’s also an excellent way to improve your stamina and overall fitness. But remember the more different types of activities you do, the higher your likelihood of experiencing a back injury. Avoid overuse injuries by being strategic about your cross-training frequency and duration.
For example, don’t want to run 10 miles then immediately go to Jiu-Jitsu class. It’s better to alternate different activities on different days. That way, you’ll minimize your chances of overworking your back muscles and ending up with a painful injury.
Train Smart
When enrolled in MMA schools, training smart should be a top priority. This is especially important if you’re a beginner. Avoid jumping in too hard at the beginning, or you’re likely to hurt yourself. Instead, start at a moderate level and work your way up over time. You should also pay close attention to using proper form. Though it may seem boring to perfect your form, it’s well worth your time. Proper form can help you avoid positions that put your lower back at risk of injury.
Know Your Limits
One of the most important things you can do for your back health while receiving private MMA training is to know your limits. Your trainers know how to push you to your maximum, and that’s a good thing. Without their encouragement, you may not achieve your goals. But remember that only you can tell when your body has reached its limits. Don’t ever push yourself past that point to appear tough as it’s not worth the strain on your body. Consistently pushing yourself past your limits can cause you to develop back pain. Depending on the severity of the pain, it could also limit your activities for days, weeks, or even months.
Get Help When Needed
If you do hurt your back during mixed martial arts training, get help when necessary. Depending on your injury, you may need to go to a massage therapist, chiropractor, or physical therapist. Allowing back pain to go too long untreated will likely make the problem worse. Since back health is so crucial for your quality of life and everyday activities, make it a priority.
Perfect Your Skills Today
Few things in life test your stamina, willpower, and drive more effectively than martial arts. Ready to perfect your mixed martial arts skills? Contact Elite MMA to learn more about the challenging Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts programs we offer.
