UFC Fight Week has generated widespread attention and speaks to the international reach of mixed martial arts as a diversified sport. Trainers, professional fighters and MMA athletes know that making the right decisions about your training is integral to prepare you for the unexpected during competitions. The ULTRASLIDE Slideboard has been a part of many MMA training programs in recent years.
Professional MMA fighter and Xtreme Couture Strength & Conditioning Coach Gil Guardado recently shared how the ULTRASLIDE has become an invaluable tool in his personal and client training.
What is your experience with slideboards?
 |
| Gil combines his technical training knowledge with his personal fighting experience to train MMA athletes. |
I have been using slideboards since the end of 2011. I was training with Jake Bonacci for my last amateur title fight and he incorporated the slideboard into our training program for conditioning. It was a completely different dynamic. We never did lateral conditioning but it made so much sense. In a sport like MMA you need a full range of movements - not just linear and the ULTRASLIDE was perfect for that.
What are the most important training objectives for martial artists?
The first is gaining competitive edge. Everyone is trying to be stronger, faster and better thatn their competition. In my opinion, fighters are behind the curve when it comes to strength and conditioning. Many of them are trying unproven methods to make their training better. I like going with what works - and the ULTRASLIDE is not only proven but it's also something new to a lot of people. When I use it with my clients, most of them are getting a brand new, unique training experience.
What are the most challenging aspects of martial arts?
There are several but learning how to accept the punches and preparing for the mental challenges are most difficult. It's a grind. We train six days a week, twice a day. It takes a toll on your body. The sport itself is based on contact so something like a slideboard is a nice break because it's low impact and a smoother experience that ultimately improves your speed and movement.
What differences in performance did you notice after you began using the ULTRASLIDE in a more targeted way?
I noticed immediate differences in my footwork. The slideboard teaches you how to generate power in the lateral movement. My speed also improved. I haven't found anything else that does that so quickly.
Why do you think the ULTRASLIDE is effective for martial artists?
MMA is based on finite space movement – there are so many sports that move forward to back. When you close in during MMA, it's only 20 to 30 feet across. There isn't a lot of movement. You're cutting to the side looking for an angle to land a strike or a takedown. MMA is definitely a laterally dominated sport and the ULTRASLIDE mimics that movement perfectly.
 |
| Mountain climbers on the ULTRALIDE slideboard have multiple benefits including enhanced explosive power and speed. |
What are your go-to exercises or routines when utilizing the ULTRASLIDE?
There are many! We definitely get our time our of it. I start with the lateral slide when clients are new to using a slideboard. I want them to start with the basics and we build from there. If someone is nervous about getting on the slideboard, we position it in conjunction with the TRX suspension system so they have stabilization to build comfort. We take a graduated approach starting with two hands holding on to the straps, the only one hand holding on and then freestanding as they begin to generate speed and power.
Once they're comfortable, I incorporate my favorite three ULTRASLIDE movements – lateral sliding focusing on intervals and speed; mountain climbers for speed, and lunge variations to challenge balance, core strength and stability. When they want a challenge, I can do simple things like adding weight. But most find the ULTRASLIDE is a challenge within itself! When I'm not training I also use it personally - I think it's really a fantastic tool.
 |
| The lateral slide on the ULTRASLIDE is a hallmark movement - tried and true. |
Learn more about the ULTRASLIDE slideboard and its application to a variety of training contexts here.
No comments:
Post a Comment