There are many types of equipment that you can use in your MMA workouts at home.
Here we take a look at some of the more popular and widely used ones.
Upper Body Workout Bar
You can install these in your doorway in seconds without the need for any screws or fittings and remove it just as easily. Personally, I think pull-ups/chin-ups are essential to my workouts and if you don’t have access to a dedicated pull-up bar these things are great. And yes, they will hold your weight – up to around 300 pounds. This model can also be used on the ground, so you can use it for pushups, tricep dips and sit ups too. Click photo for more info.
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Exercise Balls
Exercise balls are inflatable balls in that come in various sizes (the most common being 55 cm, 65 cm and 75 cm) that are great for improving stability and balance, and also for isolating particular muscles when performing certain exercises.
You might be under the impression that these are something only your aunt would use, but you would be wrong.
As they can be bought pretty cheaply and will introduce variety into your MMA workout, they are well worth adding to your gear. Click photo for more details.
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Medicine Balls
Medicine balls are heavy balls that are available in vinyl, rubber and leather. They weigh anything between about 4lb up to 15lb and are very useful for increasing explosive strength. Also used for abdominal exercises. You can get them individually or in sets of varying weight.
You won’t find many MMA gyms without these. If you are competing in MMA you need these in your workout routine. Click photo for more details.
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Weight Benches
Benches can be used for not only the obvious weight training exercises such as the bench press, but also for stomach exercises and variations of dips. They should ideally be adjustable, and have fittings that allow the use of attachments.
If you are going to buy your own, it is a piece of workout equipment that is better not to skimp on – make sure it is well made and sturdy. Some of the more modern benches like the Bowflex (pictured) cost a bit more than the “traditional” type weight bench but are more adjustable so you will get more out of them. Click photo for more info.
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Heavy Bag
Getting a heavy bag is a no-brainer, especially now that good quality free-standing bags mean you don’t need to hang it, if that is a hassle for any reason.
Striking the heavy bag feels completely to striking pads and will allow you to train (and hit) harder. If you have enough space, this should probably be at the top of your list for MMA workout equipment.
Apart from aiding your MMA workout, it will let you work out any stress you may have built up during your day. Click photo for more info.
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Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are compact, lightweight and can be used anywhere. They come varying degrees of resistance and allow you to isolate target muscle groups. You might think you will look a bit of weakling using these, but they are used by top level MMA fighters, boxers and other athletes – so get with the program, dude.
They provide a full range of motion exercise for both upper and lower body, are perfect for exercising when traveling, and are also pretty inexpensive. Click photo for more details.
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Jump Ropes (Skipping Ropes)
Jump ropes are an integral part of a boxers training and should also be a part of every MMA workout. Apart from helping with your cardio, it will improve your footwork & co-ordination. Again, a great piece of gear for use when you travel.
It can be bought for well under $10 dollars, so if you can afford only one piece of equipment for your MMA workouts at home, this should be it. Click photo for more info.
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Ab Wheels
Another very low cost item that will make a significant difference to your MMA workouts. Works the major upper body muscle group, not just your abs so your arms, shoulders and back get worked really well too. Simple but very effective, and you can find them online for as little as $10 – $20. If you are heavier than a welterweight, it would be wise to spend a little more to get a stronger model. Click photo for more details.
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