So, you are still sticking with this 'medieval fighting' thing? Well, good! But realize that the only easy day was yesterday whippersnapper and it is time to step up your game. You cannot expect to perform better just because you bought armor and you get together a few times a month to hit each other. More importantly, you have to take a careful look at what you suck at and OWN THAT SHIT. We all have things that we are great at. Rarely in the gym do I see guys or gals focusing on weaknesses. It is always focusing on what you are comfortable with. Runners will run, lifters will lift weights, yogi's will yoga, and then you have those weird super-set guys who run around with weighted vests, screaming, and doing high reps of everything in this weird cycle of whatever.
One thing that I am sure most people fall short in is in Conditioning and Recovery.
Conditioning is basically getting your body physically fit with a regimen of exercises. What does that mean for us? Well, while there could be a myriad of variables to choose from individually to assess for yourself, the short answer is what is the optimum level of performance or ideal fitness you can obtain in a given amount of time? Of course 'fitness' in our sport really comes down to ability to keep fighting (striking, punching, kicking, throwing, and grappling) for an extended amount of time. In 5 vs 5, that means up to 10 minutes. For those who fight singles and looking for pro-fights/knight fights, that is 3 minutes. For normal duels that is 1.5 minutes. All of that times 3 for the possibility of going three rounds at that work capacity.
A better athlete will outperform a veteran fighter because their athleticism will enable them to do more work and potentially more damage than the veteran more out of shape fighter. While there will always be amazing veterans that will put any newcomers in their place, a quick review of many fights on YouTube, you will find that on average, the more conditioned/in shape team wins the most fights. A better, more conditioned athlete will be less prone to gassing out early. An athlete in fighting shape is less likely to be hurt by strains, and tears (muscle) due to the activity at hand. Bluntly, a fighter who is in shape and can keep up with the demands of the fight, is one that is harder to take down.
For myself, a personal assessment coming out of Battle of Nations was I was plenty strong to hold two to three guys at once for a good amount of time. I was able to drop hurt bombs. I had plenty of gas in the tank to keep fighting round after round but my recovery was not as quick as I liked to be fully capable to attack again going full tilt. What I felt I was missing is a lot more movement, generating power versus static strength, and I had what I believe was only the minimal amount of conditioning to compete. My power lifting numbers are just shy of 1700 pounds total. I got plenty of strength. Translating that strength to power aka 'move or travel with great speed or force' is what I need to focus on. What that meant was to change my training programming and environment up. Don't get me wrong, my coach I have had for the past two years has been such a huge help and support system. What I miss from working out alone is the competitive environment. Having somebody push me to perform at a higher level and challenge me to work harder is what I needed. It was so easy for days I 'wasn't feeling it' to just dial it in on my workout. Sure I could move the weight, but the drive to perform at my best level in the workout for the condition and cardio parts of my workouts. So, pick up a workout partner or a group training environment to help you push your limits.
What is one thing that you can do to greatly improve your performance? Focus on recovery!
Before you spend a gazillion dollars on supplements, the elements to improved fitness is exercise, food, and recovery (aka rest). The cheapest way to get more gains after intense exercise is to rest. You see competitors at the highest level of their sport take rest just as important as the exercise, instead of just getting by with a minimal amount of rest. They make sure they are getting 8 hours of sleep at minimum. Instead of going out and partying, they are resting and making the most of their time to recover. They listen to their bodies and maximize the time they have to get the most out of their recovery. This doesn't mean you don't get to have fun, just make more effort to get the recovery and sleep your body needs.
That leads me to a side tangent because I am a big guy. Do you snore? Do you feel sluggish and tired every morning? Do you feel like you have to take an IV of coffee in order to just get your day started? I highly encourage you to see your doctor and get a referral if necessary for a sleep study. I will tell you that it is not just fat guys who snore that need a CPAP. There are numerous people of all shapes and sizes, both men and women, who need a CPAP machine. CPAP machines have studies to show to aid in better sleep as in deeper, more restful sleep. They are also showing that CPAP improves cardiovascular function, and even weight loss. Long story short, if you have sleep disorders, snore, or feel like under dog poo every morning, get help! I cannot praise having a CPAP machine enough.
My personal experience is that a CPAP machine has greatly improved my rest. I don't wake up feeling groggy. I get deep full rest. My wife doesn't try to snuff me out with pillows from my load as a freight train snoring. I feel mentally more clear in the morning and now I am willing to get up at 5 AM and hit the gym before starting my day. I don't stay up late and thus no cravings for late night snacks. I will even use my CPAP post workout while I am just chilling to give me an extra recharge before I face my day. I don't have any science to back using a CPAP post workout other than I subjectively feel better.
Well, off to work on armor and getting some striking practice. Ya'll keep plugging away and I can't wait to see you in the list!
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