Getting Into Fighting Shape

To get ready for competition you have to be in shape before you begin fight training. A lot of athletes are lazy and try to get in shape while training for a fight. You should already of a good base condition to begin with. If you have 6 to 8 weeks to get ready for a match and you start at the beginning of that 6 or 8 week cycle, you are behind. A competitor should be training and learning all the time. When getting ready for a fight, you should run. Running should be outside if possible and you mix distance and sprints. You need to alternate hard, moderate, and mild workouts. Don't kill yourself everyday. You need to spar, do your bag, mitt, shadow boxing, rope, drills, etc. In the gym you need intensity of 60 to 90 minutes. For you guys that say you train 4 plus hours a day, you ain't gettin' in with real intensity. Train the way your are going to fight. Boxers glove and spar with the same intensity they will have in a fight. The only difference is that the gloves are bigger and they wear headgear. When training, simulate the fight environment. As mentioned earlier, allow recovering after the hard sessions. Be sure to train like you compete and push yourself. Many of us need outside motivating from a trainer or coach. That's great, but remember you have to reach down inside of yourself and bring out your best.