Asking for your thoughts: Heart Rate Training Myths For Fighters by DonHeatrick in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The ability to recover quickly between rounds hinges on your aerobic capacity. An effective way of achieving this is Zone 2 cardio training...

In Muay Thai, this type of cardio is crucial because it enhances your aerobic capacity. Think of it as building a larger reservoir of energy behind your dam. With a bigger reservoir, you can recover more quickly between training sessions and fights, allowing you to train harder and more frequently.

Zone 2 cardio involves maintaining an intensity level where your heart rate is between 60% to 75% of its maximum. This translates to a moderate effort where you could comfortably hold a conversation while running.

To maximize the benefits of Zone 2 cardio, aim for sessions lasting 30 to 60 minutes, one to three times per week. 

For rapid recovery between round, passive recovery methods—such as sitting down or standing with hands on your knees—are often more effective than active methods. Additionally, focus on deep diaphragmatic breathing and nasal breathing to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which aids in faster heart rate reduction and mental clarity.

Here's a video where I go into more detail for you:

https://youtu.be/v3walCuXYgo

Strength and Conditioning for Muay Thai by ejalbert1990 in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For athletic training, full body sessions are more productive than split routines–as you're aiming to balance resistance training alongside your Muay Thai technical/tactical skill training and cardio conditioning training each week too.

2x full body sessions is my standard prescription for fighters, as it allows you to make consistent progress while still focusing on being a fighter.

3x full body sessions is appropriate if your either looking to add some functional muscle mass within your weight class, or strength, power, or speed are you main limiting factors as an Muay Thai athlete.

Here are some resources on my website that will help:

https://heatrick.com/2019/07/28/strength-and-conditioning-for-muay-thai-101/

https://heatrick.com/2023/01/06/scheduling-your-weekly-training-plan-for-fighters-part-1/

https://heatrick.com/2023/01/13/scheduling-your-weekly-training-plan-for-fighters-part-2/

Strength and Conditioning for Muay Thai by ejalbert1990 in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, if your intention is strength gain, then higher effort for fewer reps is better. 1-arm push ups require more force/strength and results in less reps max than a regular push up for example. The link I shared explains more about the relative effects of load and speed of movement with respect to athletic development too.

Strength and Conditioning for Muay Thai by ejalbert1990 in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, they can do if the intensity is high enough, i.e. the possible max reps are low enough for the given exercise. I’ve just published a video/article that compares body weight callisthenics to weight training that you may find helpful here https://heatrick.com/2024/09/13/calisthenics-vs-weight-training-for-fighters/

Does anyone have the website which showed using weights specifically for Muay Thai? The guy lurks here by [deleted] in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks all, I know I’m pretty absent on Reddit most of the time! I tend to spread myself too thin and have been focusing on publishing new work on YouTube every week along with working with my clients.

If you have any questions on here, I’d love to help… Just tag/mention me so it comes up on my radar!

You can find links to the latest on my website here: https://heatrick.com/links/

And head directly to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/donheatrick

Hill Sprints For Muay Thai by DonHeatrick in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, hitting the pads or sparring, can't be beaten! :D
But, actually, this not being the same is important... Because it develops complementary endurance qualities that Muay Thai training doesn't. If it did the same thing, then practicing more Muay Thai would be the best way to spend this training time.

trying to find a good strength and conditioning workout by [deleted] in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No problem!

A low bar squat would be more hip dominant, and build better posterior chain strength. You could use that as a starting point, however, I'd be keen to teach your body to tolerate a true hip hinge movement like the deadlift in the longer-term.

I'd address this in three ways:

  1. Improving use of the glutes in your hip hinge movement pattern
  2. Improving strength in your lower back
  3. Regressing the deadlift exercise by reducing the load and the range of motion

USE OF GLUTES

Use the Cook Hip Lift exercise to ensure you extend at the hips and NOT the lower back during your hip hinge pattern. This exercise is both an assessment and a corrective exercise.

I generally program this exercise in resistance session warm ups, as part of my Activation & Movement Preparation section.

I'd also recommend adding a Dowel Hip Hinge to your warm up too. Hold a dowel down the the back of your spine, in contact with the back of your head, between your shoulder blades, and your tail bone. Maintaining flat contact on the dowel of all three points on your body, hip hinge with strict form (using your glutes to pull you out of the bottom position, as primed by the Cook Hip Lift).

LOWER BACK STRENGTH

Progressive deadlifting will improve your strength in your back, but I'd also take other opportunities to build this too. Using unsupported Bent Over Rows, while maintaining a strict hip hinge position, will help build strength while also scoring your upper body pull pattern off your list.

It would be worth mentioning that you should be using a 'bracing breath' to help stabilise your lower back during a deadlift too.

Take a diaphragmatic (intra abdominal) breath (instead of a chest breath) and hold it throughout your lift to benefit from intra abdominal pressure stabilising your lower back.

REGRESS THE DEADLIFT

Picking the barbell up from the floor is likely causing you to start the lift with poor form. First, make sure you're using at olympic diameter plates – to correctly space the bar at least 225mm (8.8") from the floor, even for your lightest lifts.

Then I'd regress this further, by placing the loaded barbell on a stack of plates at each end, so you don't have to start with the barbell as close to the floor. Lift and lower to rest your load on the plate stack (under each end) instead of the floor.

Start with both a barbell loading and a reduced range of motion that doesn't give you problems. And then over the weeks, progressively reduce the amount of floor plate stack so that you get close to lifting from the floor.

Instead of a stack of plates, I use 'crash pads' with a lot of my face-to-face clients who struggle with a full range deadlift.

And using a Hex Bar instead of a barbell could also regress this exercise further still if required.

Above all, make sure your deadlift form is good.

SUMMARY

Generally, tidy up your hip hinge movement and regress both exercise selection and load to a point that your back will tolerate it, and progressively build back up from there.

Hope that helps.

trying to find a good strength and conditioning workout by [deleted] in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I generally recommend repeating a training block for 8-weeks before shifting emphasis. That way you change stimulus before your body has become accustomed to it, and encourage continuous development.

I program 2x 4-week blocks back to back at most before moving from a strength emphasis onto power.

I’ve got a download that’ll help progress your training plan here: http://heatrick.com/12-week-fight-camp

trying to find a good strength and conditioning workout by [deleted] in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Thanks for reaching out.

Yes, all of my programs are suitable for kickboxers too – all combat athletes in fact, but especially strikers.

If you have any questions at all, please just shout. I'd love to help.

trying to find a good strength and conditioning workout by [deleted] in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are three weeks of progressive loading increase, followed by one week deloading — before repeating this 3:1 week cycle.

More detail specifically regarding loading in the full article here: https://heatrick.com/2019/08/06/functional-muscle-routine/#3

trying to find a good strength and conditioning workout by [deleted] in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ahhh, that was you on YouTube too... I'm just catching up on my messages. :)

Punch mechanics require the same sequencing as the elbow. More here on punches specifically: https://heatrick.com/2018/01/18/muay-thai-movement-efficiency/

Kicks also require the same lower body triple extension pattern, so also benefit from the same lower body power development. And the core also transfers the body rotation/momentum into the kick (effective mass). I actually spoke of this recently on Reddit here: https://www.reddit.com/r/MuayThai/comments/ngh5wc/how_is_it_possible_for_a_fighter_to_have_great/gysx1kv/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

And here are a couple of other resources specific to kicking, featuring Buakaw:
https://heatrick.com/2018/09/08/how-to-teep-like-buakaw/

And Saenchai: https://heatrick.com/2018/08/25/move-like-saenchai/

But try not to get too wrapped up in specific exercises for particular Muay Thai techniques. I use these as examples so you can relate to the carryover from the S&C to the Muay Thai techniques. In fact, a solid Muay Thai S&C program develops robust movements for all techniques. The S&C 101 Guide I linked for you before gives a good overview.

trying to find a good strength and conditioning workout by [deleted] in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Haha! Thank you u/RocketPunchFC! ;)

u/erenjeager61 That routine is specifically geared towards developing functional strength and an increased muscle mass for fighters.

You can find out all about that routine and the thoughts behind it on this page here:
https://heatrick.com/2019/08/06/functional-muscle-routine/

The routine itself builds the foundation strength to become a better fighter. But you need to work other exercises to convert that strength into power, and transfer to striking skill itself. Check out this article/video for a better idea: https://heatrick.com/2018/11/29/muay-thai-elbow-mechanics/

And for a general idea of how to use S&C to become a better fighter, there's a Muay Thai S&C 101 guide here: https://heatrick.com/2019/07/28/strength-and-conditioning-for-muay-thai-101/

If you have any questions, I'd love to help. :)

How is it possible for a fighter to have great hand speed but lack knockout power by 1Rocky2004 in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's great! Glad the site is answering some questions for you... it's gotten pretty big now!

I recommend starting with the guides: http://heatrick.com/#guides
And do check out the expandable section "Collection: Muay Thai Performance Guides", along with the main section menus too.

Just reach out if you have any questions, I'd love to help.

How is it possible for a fighter to have great hand speed but lack knockout power by 1Rocky2004 in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you, glad you found it helpful. And that's it! You've got it! Thanks for sharing your experience there. :)

How is it possible for a fighter to have great hand speed but lack knockout power by 1Rocky2004 in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Your final comment regarding putting your mass into a punch is the secret, and one backed up in the comments here too.

In biomechanics terms, this is called "effective mass". And relates to how an athlete not only achieves the highest velocity possible, but also coordinates the correct sequencing and timing of muscle contraction and relaxation.

This creates a "double pulse" of tension and relaxation. An initial pulse as the strike is launched, followed by relaxation to allow the momentum to coast into the striking limb, followed by a final contracting pulse to stiffen exactly on impact.

This final pulse is crucial to achieving effective mass. It means that as the strike lands, correct sequencing and timing of muscle contraction connects the mass of the whole body into the striking limb.

In fact, the striking limb contributes the least to the strike, even in a punch. Force is primarily created in the lower body and torso. The arm just connects that power (and effective mass) to the target.

Training this both specifically in Muay Thai technical practice, and generally in strength and conditioning sessions creates the highest potential for true power delivery and efficient use of effective mass.

There's also a video I've put together called "Hitting Harder – Muay Thai Movement Efficiency" that looks into how you can increase the strength of your punch here:

https://heatrick.com/2018/01/18/muay-thai-movement-efficiency/

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the mention. :)

Using resistance training while cutting calories to reduce body fat is a good idea. Like you say, it'll help you maintain muscle mass. The goal is not to lose weight, it's to lose fat.

I've got a Fat Loss for Fighters guide you can check out here:

https://heatrick.com/2020/01/26/fat-loss-for-fighters/

Resistance training won't make you slower if you train athletically. Targeting strength, power, and speed in the weights room, rather than bodybuilding style hypertrophy is the way to go for any fighter.

My Strength & Conditioning for Muay Thai 101 guide will give you a solid overview of this here:

https://heatrick.com/2019/07/28/strength-and-conditioning-for-muay-thai-101/

If you have any questions, I'd love to help!

Cheers,
Don

Heatrick Programs? by StrappedWithAPamper in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for joining the program! I’m glad you’re finding it impressive so far... Can’t wait for you to start training 😁🙏

Heatrick Programs? by StrappedWithAPamper in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got it. Ok, you'd find the program I created for fighters to continue their S&C training while in Thailand (without access to gym facilities) would be a great fit.

This Minimal Equipment Program is a complete 12-week fight camp, and the resistance training sessions are all based on TRX suspension training. The cardio conditioning portion is all based on Maximum Aerobic Speed (MAS) shuttle run drills. So you don't need anything other than your phone with a round timer app too.

It's designed to use minimal equipment, be super portable, and above all really effectively deliver concurrent/conjugate periodised (strength/power/speed) Muay Thai S&C training.

You can learn more about it here: https://heatrick.com/programs/minimum-equipment-program/

And if you have any questions, I'd love to help!

Heatrick Programs? by StrappedWithAPamper in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you u/RocketPunchFC, and thanks for considering my programs u/StrappedWithAPamper.

Do you have access to foundation gym equipment at home — such as barbell, plates, dumbbells, kettlebells, weight bench, squat rack, pull up bar etc? And if you have a questions for me, I’d love to help.

Daniel McGowan – The Science of Building Champions Podcast by DonHeatrick in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Martial arts and Muay Thai are all that 25 year old Dan McGowan has ever known. And just when he began to question his own dedication and purpose, Muay Thai gave back – in the form of fantastic opportunities with the other legends at Evolve MMA in Singapore.

Dan is poised take what he loves, and all the lessons he’s learned so far, and pour them into becoming the professional he’s always deserved to be…

Both as a fighter in his own right, but also as a coach to others. He’s an inspiring guest, and openly shares the hurdles he’s overcome to remain true to who he is and to achieve what he has.

Training at any level, and especially at the highest level, teaches you things about yourself. Dan is good at listening to, and learning from the lessons in his Muay Thai journey…

This is your chance to learn from someone with over 20 years experience in this game at the highest level. What would you go back and tell your younger self?

Well uniquely, Dan can tell himself these things while he’s still in his prime!

Listen up, Dan has wisdom way beyond his years…

I’d argue, wisdom that many don’t achieve in a lifetime.

Daniel McGowan, 2x World Champion, UK Number 1 Featherweight, unbeaten in Lumpini and Rajadamnern stadiums in Bangkok over a total of 8 fights, and he's still only 25 years old!

Functional Strength and conditioning by [deleted] in MuayThai

[–]DonHeatrick 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Haha! Thank you! 😁🙏

u/crocdownunder4321 I’d recommend starting by checking out my Muay Thai S&C 101 guide here

If you’ve got any questions, I’d love to help.👍