Fight Podcast #10: Fighters Fitness - Kicking the balls is not everything!

In the 10th episode of the Fight Podcast, hosts Sharir Richman and Jan celebrate their milestone and dive into a discussion about fitness and training for fighters. Sharir kicks off by sharing his daily workout routine, emphasizing his dedication to lifting weights six days a week and incorporating heavy bag sessions to maintain his fitness. This routine includes heavy lifting, sparring, and maintaining a balance between strength and cardio training.

Sharir stresses the importance of consistency and discipline in training, highlighting that he lifts weights not only for physical strength but also to build mental resilience. He discusses the concept that lifting weights itself does not make one stronger; instead, recovery from lifting is what builds strength. Sharir also touches on the significance of grip strength, neck strength, and overall muscle strength in preventing injuries and enhancing fighting capabilities.

The hosts delve into the training regimen for fighters at MMA Jerusalem, detailing the rigorous routines they follow, including multiple daily workouts focusing on both strength and cardio. Sharir explains that each fighter’s training plan is tailored to their specific needs and goals, with a significant emphasis on being prepared for unexpected fights at any time. He underscores the necessity of maintaining a high level of fitness even outside of fight camps to ensure fighters are always ready.

Sharir and Jan also explore the mental aspects of training, such as the importance of working on escaping bad positions and developing the mental agility to react to various scenarios. Sharir emphasizes that developing explosive power is crucial for street fights, where situations can escalate from zero to 100 in an instant.

The discussion also covers the differences between powerlifting and bodybuilding. Sharir explains that his approach to lifting is focused on building functional strength rather than aesthetics. He outlines his training schedule, which includes heavy deadlifts, bench presses, squats, and shoulder presses, complemented by exercises like farmers' walks and grip strength workouts. He shares his personal philosophy of training, which prioritizes discipline over motivation, and the importance of setting realistic, achievable goals.

Sharir addresses common misconceptions about lifting weights, such as the belief that deadlifting can ruin one's back. He advocates for correct form and technique to prevent injuries and highlights the benefits of strength training for overall fitness and injury prevention.

The episode concludes with Sharir encouraging listeners to start training and maintain a consistent workout routine. He reiterates that there are no excuses for not working out and emphasizes the transformative power of discipline and dedication in achieving fitness goals.