Tips for Making Your BJJ Classes a Success
If you're going to try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), you're opening yourself up to a world of fitness benefits. Naturally, you'll want to ensure your efforts are as successful as possible. Here are some tips for making your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes a success.
Regular Commitment
Try not to approach BJJ as a casual hobby. When you don't commit to it regularly, it's hard to achieve the proficiency you're craving. Depending on your schedule, you might want to start with one class per week and then add in more. If you're new to the sport, see if there are any courses in your area. Committing regularly allows you to work on mistakes while they're fresh in your mind. It gives you a chance to become adept at the sport and experience all its benefits.
Focus on Hydration
BJJ requires you to execute a lot of short, sharp movements in quick succession. Those movements are excellent for improving your cardiovascular resistance and muscle mass. However, if you don't hydrate regularly, you won't see the full benefits. Your muscles depend on adequate hydration to move at the full speed and flexibility they're capable of. Additionally, adequate hydration can reduce the amount of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) you encounter between lessons. Hydration is also essential for keeping your electrolyte levels balanced while you sweat, so you're less likely to tire out quickly and more likely to engage in classes.
Eat for Success
If you're going to take BJJ seriously, you need to eat for success. As a sport that requires you to expend a lot of calories, it isn't compatible with low-calorie diets. As such, you should seek advice on an ideal calorie intake from an expert. Try avoiding sugar and processed foods as well. Both increase inflammation in your body, which means you're less likely to recover between Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes. That inflammation can worsen DOMS too. Your muscles will need support in repairing themselves, so focus on low-fat protein to help them along. You'll still need carbohydrates, though. Try slow-releasing carbs, such as whole grain breads, fruit, and starchy vegetables. Fruit and vegetables are very important, as they'll give you the nutrition you need to detox and feel energised for your training sessions.
Overall, becoming successful at BJJ is about more than showing up for the occasional class. Regular commitment, hydration, and a balanced diet all increase your chances of taking your new hobby to an elite level.
For more information about BJJ, contact a local studio.