AUGUST 2022

HEALTH & FITNESS

5 REASONS MMA

Here’s why you should add mixed martial arts (MMA) training to your must-try list! #1 IT’S AN EXCELLENT FULL-BODY WORKOUT MMA training is a total-body workout that blends techniques from boxing, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai and other martial arts disciplines. In fact, with all that punching, grappling, kicking and other cardio moves, you’re likely to burn up to 1,000 calories in a single session! MMA training also tones and strengthens, and will have your body burning fat long after you leave the gym. In addition to its weight loss and cardiovascular benefits, MMA builds endurance, flexibility and balance, and improves athleticism all around. #2 IT’S AN EFFECTIVE MOOD BOOSTER With an intense workout comes the release of endorphins. These feel-good hormones can make you feel calmer and lift your mood significantly. Endorphins aside, the social aspect of the sport can act as a mood booster. In fact, the social-connectedness of MMA training is an added benefit. Training partners tend to become support systems and, in many cases, great friends outside of the gym as well. #3 IT STRENGTHENS THE MIND Your physique and mood aren’t the only beneficiaries of MMA’s strengthening effects. Your mind can also reap the rewards with improved concentration and mindfulness, and a better capacity to keep calm under pressure. You may even notice sharpened problem-solving skills, thanks to the quick thinking on your feet that’s required when deciding which move you’ll make next to take down your opponent.

Evolve MMA • #01-01 Far East Square, 26 China Street 6536 4525 • #06-01 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road 6536 4556 • #04-18 Clarke Quay Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street | 6226 2150 • #02-52 KINEX, 11 Tanjong Katong Road 6288 2293 evolve-mma.com There’s also a children’s martial arts programme that’s designed to teach self defence, build social skills and instil martial arts principles like discipline and focus in little ones. Where to try MMA training You can learn MMA and more at Evolve MMA, Southeast Asia’s largest and most comprehensive mixed martial arts gym that offers over 800 classes per week across four locations in Singapore. Ledby some of the best world champion instructors from across the globe, classes includeMMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling and WarriorFit – an intense HIIT-style circuit-training workout that’ll whip you into shape in no time. In addition to the feel-good factor that comes from getting in shape, there’s a sense of confidence and fulfilment that can come from learning and perfecting a skill. As a newbie, you might feel intimidated at first; but once you start mastering the moves you once struggled with, you’ll feel like you can clear just about any obstacle that comes your way! Of course, knowing you can hold your own in any self-defence situation doesn’t hurt either! #4 IT’S A GREAT FORM OF STRESS RELEASE Letting out all your aggression in the ring can also be just the release you need to ease your stress levels and purge those pent-up emotions. Plus, the focus it takes to perfect uppercuts and takedowns will likely force you to forget about your long list of to-do’s – at least for an hour! #5 IT BUILDS CONFIDENCE

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AUGUST2022