The many physical health benefits gained from Mixed Martial Arts are well documented and regularly discussed with practitioners in the community. The positive impact MMA can have on your mental wellbeing is less circulated but have a deep impact that can be transferred into your everyday life.
MMA can help improve your happiness, confidence, and self-worth outside the four walls of the gym!
Most combat styles and martial arts have deep roots in strong philosophies that build mental fortitude. e.g. Dedication, resilience, discipline, integrity and respect. In exploring this further here are 6 stand out reasons why MMA can give you the mental health boost you have been looking for.
1. Stay Calm Under Pressure When training mixed martial arts you have to learn to go with the flow. Being able to remain calm in difficult situations and solving problems under pressure are key elements to success.
MMA disciplines such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are highly cerebral, with rolling often being compared to chess requiring thought and strategy with motion.
The ability to focus and remain present will improve with regular training as your brain gains more plasticity. This will in turn benefit the overcoming of challenges & obstacles faced outside the gym .
The Martial element in MMA is all about being able to have a disciplined mind to make the right decision in the face of challenges presented under pressure.
2. The Great Stress Reliever Stress has been synonymous with the last couple of years to say the least. During high stress your cortisol levels spike and an elongated period of stress is closely linked to heart disease and poor mental health. Enter the great stress relievers of MMA (Boxing, Kickboxing and Muay Thai), these striking arts are all excellent outlets for releasing pent up energy and frustration. Taking time to do a few rounds on the pads with a training partner or on a heavy bag is the perfect way to destress and to get those feel good hormones pumping!
3. Inclusive and Community Building Mixed Martial Arts is a highly social sport where you’ll be rolling, sparring, and getting a sweat on with your new community.
At Wolves Den we pride ourselves on cultivating an uplifting and encouraging environment. You're not just joining another gym, you’ll be joining our Pack where you’ll be surrounded by supportive and like-minded individuals who will motivate you to be the best version of yourself physically and mentally!
4. Increase Self Confidence and Self Esteem MMA is a highly complex art filled with techniques from many different disciplines and this provides an opportunity to build confidence and improve your self-esteem.
As you start to develop the skills and endurance for MMA with solid technique and fluidity it will help trigger the dopamine release in your brain giving a sense of achievement and motivation for more. You will also realise large & complex tasks can be accomplished by taking it one step at a time. e.g. When grappling, that could be as simple as getting submitted less times than the last round. Once you're able to reach a comfortable skill level in MMA it's a massive self esteem boost to know you will know how to handle yourself in difficult or threatening situations.
5. Sleep Better During training your brain releases dopamine, and post-training as the dopamine levels begin to fall it produces serotonin. You may have heard of serotonin in relation to depression and anxiety as it's commonly discussed and researched in the fitness & scientific community. This is the hormone that might be lacking if you experience poor mental health as it is known as the “feel good” hormone. Serotonin helps to regulate mood and to produce feelings of happiness. It's also responsible for producing melatonin which is vital for restful sleep and maintaining a healthy sleeping schedule.
6. Resilience
Training MMA teaches you to be comfortable in the uncomfortable and no matter your perceived weaknesses or lack of skill, strength comes from persistence and hard work. Wolves Den creates a healthy and uplifting environment to test yourself and to explore what you are truly capable of. Our pack will help you to push past your limits and to shift your attitudes towards being uncomfortable. This athlete mindset will improve your ability to endure and overcome difficult situations, and take greater control when moving towards your goals in all areas of your life.
Come and experience these amazing benefits and more at the Wolves Den as our passionate coaches and encouraging pack will take you from good to great!
Join the pack today!🐺
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