When it comes to fitness, I am a huge fan of mixing things up.
A workout has to be simple enough for a klutz like me to follow, yet challenging enough to keep my monkey brain engaged. And if you can make it hard enough to break a serious sweat while getting me in and out of the gym in an hour or less, chances are I'll be back.
That's why I was stoked for an introduction to MMA Fit, a new fitness program designed by Shawn Phillips, owner Coast Martial Arts, offered in Gibsons.
A certified mixed martial arts (MMA) coach, Phillips has more than 25 years of experience in martial arts training and built this program specifically to improve overall fitness, health, cardio, strength and endurance. It is based on the very same exercises used by mixed martial arts fighters. But MMA Fit is not about fighting, it's about getting a great workout, with stress release added in.
This is our frustration-relief station, notes Phillips, as we step up to the grappling ground and pound area during orientation, which allows you to straddle a bag, while pummeling it with your fists, protected by boxing gloves. There is also a kickboxing/jabbing station for strategic punching and kicking.
There are seven stations or rounds in total and three different levels, to keep everyone challenged. A bell lets you know when it's time to move on. Some stations use equipment such as TRX suspension training straps, kettlebells and punching bags.
Athletes come in and work through the 30-minute circuit on their own, but Phillips and his trainers are always nearby to check on form and technique.
Our goal is to make sure everyone is doing it right, said Phillips, who notes the vital importance of form when punching or lifting. I want you to hurt after a workout because your muscles are sore, not due to injury.
Phillips has been amazed at how quickly the MMA Fit participants have improved since the launch of the program. Consistent MMA training results in lean strong bodies, mentally ready for anything.
We've use the methodologies adopted by professional MMA fighters because they are some of the most highly trained individuals in sport, said Phillips. In just six weeks of the program, people start looking like fighters, even if they don't necessarily want to fight.
On the day of this interview, three women and one man were doing the circuit, two for the first time.
I'm so happy I found you guys, said Janet Panic, who had dropped in with a friend for the free trial and orientation.
Deb Anderson who started the program a week earlier said she absolutely loves it.
That was a great start to my day, Anderson noted as she got ready to leave.
Phillips said it takes eight to 12 weeks to go up a level, so there is plenty of time to work on form and get your body adjusted to the training and impact. It's a challenging program, but once you try it for the first time, he's pretty confident you'll be back for more, based on experience with the participants so far.
We haven't had one person come in and try it and not come back, he said.
MMA Fit circuit training runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon (9 a.m. to 11 a.m. is women only; then co-ed) at Coast Martial Arts, 1050 Venture Way in Gibsons.
