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Ultimate MMA Conditioning
Ultimate MMA Conditioning is foremost authority on how to get in shape for combat sports. Written by internationally renowned expert and strength and conditioning coach, Joel Jamieson, this book will give you a complete A-Z blueprint to radically improve conditioning through a unique scientifically proven approach. Top mixed martial artists stars like Rich Franklin, Tim Boetsch, Demetrious Johnson, Bibiano Fernandes, Chris Leben and many more have relied on Joel to get in shape and ready to fight. Whether you're a fighter, coach, or just want to get in the best shape possible, Ultimate MMA Conditioning will help you get there faster than ever before
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
25 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 20, 2014
This book will really open your eyes and dispel a lot of training myths. Jamieson is a UFC strength and conditioning coach that has quite a few talented fighters under his belt. Some are renowned for their freakish level of conditioning.
This book is the antidote to bro-science, training by feel, training myths, and crossfit. If you want to know how the pros really do it, this will show you.
Jamieson explains the different physical attributes such as strength, maximum strength, strength endurance, aerobic capacity, anaerobic, alactic and so on and so forth. He then lays out the stimulus required to develop each one. You don't train the same for maximum strength as you do for say strength endurance.
This book approaches physical development from a fighter's perspective, so keep that in mind. Fighters stress the development of certain traits over others and their focus reflects that.
Ignore the cheesy sounding title/cover of this book. This is pure training gold. The only negative I have is that I wished it provided a more concrete sample 8 week program or something, instead of guidelines, laying out exact lifts and workouts.
If you're an athlete, don't pass up on this one.
This book is the antidote to bro-science, training by feel, training myths, and crossfit. If you want to know how the pros really do it, this will show you.
Jamieson explains the different physical attributes such as strength, maximum strength, strength endurance, aerobic capacity, anaerobic, alactic and so on and so forth. He then lays out the stimulus required to develop each one. You don't train the same for maximum strength as you do for say strength endurance.
This book approaches physical development from a fighter's perspective, so keep that in mind. Fighters stress the development of certain traits over others and their focus reflects that.
Ignore the cheesy sounding title/cover of this book. This is pure training gold. The only negative I have is that I wished it provided a more concrete sample 8 week program or something, instead of guidelines, laying out exact lifts and workouts.
If you're an athlete, don't pass up on this one.
October 18, 2024
No joke, I think about this book frequently given how much it's changed my perspective on excercise. It's the best book I've read on conditioning for combat sports - as well as a great book for learning sports/excercise physiology in general.
It's the only (non-textbook) book I've found that goes into the how and why conditioning works - metabolic energy sources (aerobic, alactic anaerobic, lactic anaerobic), how those sources are utilized when training/sparring/whatever, physiological adaptations to different training approaches, and how to train to improve in a targetted way. A lot of this stuff at the end of the day may "seem" trivial, but a lot of it is surprisingly non-obvious (zone 2 training's worth in particular) and easy to apply to most tasks generally. The training regimens he suggests are also fantastically simple and solid too.
I know I'm going on here, but it's fantastic. This is fundamental stuff that demystified a lot of excercise science - and I could probably train for any most things now without concern that I'm going about it wrong.
Absolute 10/10. Need more books like this.
It's the only (non-textbook) book I've found that goes into the how and why conditioning works - metabolic energy sources (aerobic, alactic anaerobic, lactic anaerobic), how those sources are utilized when training/sparring/whatever, physiological adaptations to different training approaches, and how to train to improve in a targetted way. A lot of this stuff at the end of the day may "seem" trivial, but a lot of it is surprisingly non-obvious (zone 2 training's worth in particular) and easy to apply to most tasks generally. The training regimens he suggests are also fantastically simple and solid too.
I know I'm going on here, but it's fantastic. This is fundamental stuff that demystified a lot of excercise science - and I could probably train for any most things now without concern that I'm going about it wrong.
Absolute 10/10. Need more books like this.
January 15, 2018
Mr. Jamieson does a great in balancing scientific with practical knowledge in his book. I particularly appreciate his attention to definitions. For example, conditioning, for various various reasons, has become a ill-defined concept that is most often associated with cardio-respiratory or cardio-endurance training. Jamieson does an excellent job of including muscular physiology in the equation (e.g. how MMA and other combat athletes can increase the size of mitochondria through tempo training). The chapters on periodization are excellent. Overall, the book is extremely well-written and comprehensive and I and my primary training partner are planning on following Jamieson's methods. I have two minor recommendations for future editions of the book. One, since most training occurs in multiple energy systems, a chart that clearly shows which methods occurs across the three systems might be in order. Two, a chapter on the mental aspects of training would be useful, especially for MMA athletes who are training through injury and rehabilitation.
January 7, 2026
Caveat: I don’t do MMA. I don’t watch MMA. I have zero-to-negative interest in MMA.
I read this book as it was recommended by my trainer as a good overview of energy systems for metabolic conditioning. For that purpose, and understanding what different types of conditioning are actually doing to your body, it was a great overview. While occasionally drifting into the weeds on things like ATP, the breakdowns were straight-forward and useful.
Having said that, still a little too much MMA for my tastes.
I read this book as it was recommended by my trainer as a good overview of energy systems for metabolic conditioning. For that purpose, and understanding what different types of conditioning are actually doing to your body, it was a great overview. While occasionally drifting into the weeds on things like ATP, the breakdowns were straight-forward and useful.
Having said that, still a little too much MMA for my tastes.
March 4, 2019
Best book on s&c for combat athletes I've read. Applicable to other athletes that must spend a lot of their training time on skill work. Already has made a big difference to my conditioning in a short period of time.
June 3, 2018
Best book for an overall understanding of developing the different enegry systems. Not only relevant for MMA!
July 15, 2019
Prosečno.
July 28, 2020
Great insight to conditioning for athletes. Although it is addressed to the MMA community, it has applications for all sport.
Want to read
October 4, 2022very good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2024
A lot of excess info about MMA (duh) that I didn't need as I don't fight/train fighters, but the overall info and ideas about energy system development lived up to the hype I've heard over the years
April 11, 2024
A valuable resource on the science of strength, endurance, and sport-specific conditioning for fight sports.
September 22, 2014
This book is absolutely mandatory for fighters. It'll show you how to structure your training and how to train all of the unique physical attributes that need. It gives you a birds eye view of how your training should look over time, and then it zooms in for the specifics of each session.
The title comes across as a little cheesy, but this is a very in depth, intelligent look at fight conditioning. Jamieson is the S&C coach to some pretty high end UFC fighters, including Demetrious 'Mighty Mouse' Johnson. Have you seen Mighty Mouse in the ring? His stamina and power are legendary and superhuman. Yup, Joel is one of that guy's S&C coaches.
Three books books have been responsible for taking my S&C to the best levels its been since I started training(boxer of 15 years): Infinite Intensity, Tactical Barbell, and number one on the list - this one. If you're a fighter, those three books will take you as high as you can go. I've never been better conditioned or stronger in my life, I just wish I could've have started with that knowledge when I was younger!
I can't recommend this one enough for combat athletes.
The title comes across as a little cheesy, but this is a very in depth, intelligent look at fight conditioning. Jamieson is the S&C coach to some pretty high end UFC fighters, including Demetrious 'Mighty Mouse' Johnson. Have you seen Mighty Mouse in the ring? His stamina and power are legendary and superhuman. Yup, Joel is one of that guy's S&C coaches.
Three books books have been responsible for taking my S&C to the best levels its been since I started training(boxer of 15 years): Infinite Intensity, Tactical Barbell, and number one on the list - this one. If you're a fighter, those three books will take you as high as you can go. I've never been better conditioned or stronger in my life, I just wish I could've have started with that knowledge when I was younger!
I can't recommend this one enough for combat athletes.
December 28, 2013
An excellent book on "aerobic conditioning." Read it to see why I use the scare quotes. Aerobic conditioning is much more complicated that I had thought, and I have at least done some person research and experimentation when I was into mountain bike racing. If only I knew then what I know now.
I will definitely be able to put into practice many of the concepts in this book. The only short coming (for me) is that it is specific to MMA fighting, any fighting really. But I can't hold that agains the author it *is* right in the title.
Definitely recommended if you want to understand how the various fuel systems in the body work and interact, how to train them most effectively, and get the most out of your time and effort. Whether you're a fighter, runner, or cyclist (like me).
I will definitely be able to put into practice many of the concepts in this book. The only short coming (for me) is that it is specific to MMA fighting, any fighting really. But I can't hold that agains the author it *is* right in the title.
Definitely recommended if you want to understand how the various fuel systems in the body work and interact, how to train them most effectively, and get the most out of your time and effort. Whether you're a fighter, runner, or cyclist (like me).
Want to read
February 10, 2017this book is the best for fighters ;)
April 23, 2016
The best book I've read regarding conditioning. Short, informative and to the point. Very user friendly and not overly scientific. Of course it was heavily researched, but it's not in the boring, formal vernacular that most books covering these topics tend to be. Strongly recommended for anyone interested in increasing their knowledge on conditioning and how the three energy systems work together. It has a strong emphasis on MMA, but can definitely be applied to other sports if you are inclined to put some effort into applying the principles you will learn from the book.
December 13, 2014
A professional S&C manual for combat athletes. Really gives you an understanding of how to train all the attributes required by the competent mma athlete or fighter. As a combat athlete, if you can only afford one S&C book - this should be it. Don't expect a simple template or list of exercises however. This teaches you the mechanics of developing various attributes, but it is up to you to put it all together in a workable program.
November 30, 2015
Simply the number one S&C book ever made for mixed martial artists. The book is more about principles and detailed guidelines for training various energy systems required by MMA athletes, not a done-for-you cookie cutter program. Author has trained many MMA/UFC greats, including the champ Demetrious 'Mighty Mouse'Johnson.
April 30, 2016
Great, easy to read, book about proper conditioning for MMA.
But is used it for crossfit and it was very suitable for crossfit as well.
It gives you the knowledge and tools to work on specific factors of conditioning.
Would Highly recommend it.
But is used it for crossfit and it was very suitable for crossfit as well.
It gives you the knowledge and tools to work on specific factors of conditioning.
Would Highly recommend it.
February 12, 2019
Key concepts and continuing education for any strength and conditioning coach. A reliable source for understanding energy systems and how to train them properly which can be applied to sports other than MMA.
December 23, 2013
Interesting to nobody I am friends with, but this is the best book I know of about improving endurance and strength for combat sports. Shame there wasn't a better proofreader but w/e.
January 23, 2014
Fantastic resource, whether you're a pro or amateur mixed martial artist or just interested in pursuing the same sort of conditioning that they have.
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August 24, 2014How do I open to read it?
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews