Being hefty and huge may make you look BIG but not necessarily strong! If you are a boxer or an MMA fighter, you would want to get ripped to even start to make an impression.
Fighting every day as your fitness routine won't suffice if you are trying to muscle up; you need a workout plan that covers cardio, fight sessions and strength training to give you a holistic, wholesome and actually strong body.
Consider adding DMoose Fitness equipment to support your strength training and make each workout more effective.
Below is a workout routine designed for intermediate boxers and MMA fighters who are looking to get in shape. The exercises here are specifically chosen to help build strength and improve cardio fitness. So if that's what you're looking for, then keep reading!
Workout Summary
|
Main Goal |
Build Muscle |
|
Workout Type |
Split |
|
Training Level |
Intermediate |
|
Program Duration |
16 Weeks |
|
Days Per Week |
6 |
|
Time Per Workout |
70-90 Minutes |
|
Equipment Required |
Barbell, Bodyweight, Dumbbells, Machines |
|
Target Gender |
Male & Female |
Workout Description
In the past, weightlifting was often avoided by fighters because it was thought to reduce punching speed and overall performance. Today, specialized training plans for boxers and MMA fighters prove that, when done correctly, strength training can boost power, endurance, and fight performance.
Why Fighters Train Differently
- Fighters keep weights low and intensity high to build agility, speed, and endurance.
- They avoid training like bodybuilders or powerlifters, which focuses mainly on size instead of performance.
- Proper fighter-focused training prevents unnecessary fatigue and preserves energy for fight sessions and cardio work.
What to Avoid
- Avoid heavy bodybuilding-style training that focuses only on size instead of functional strength.
- Skip high-volume workouts that cause fatigue and reduce energy for fight and cardio sessions.
- Limit slow-twitch muscle development, as it lacks the explosive power fighters need in the ring.
These common mistakes can slow you down and drain your stamina. By avoiding them, you’ll keep your training focused on speed, strength, and performance where it matters most.
The Right Approach
- Combine strength training with cardio and fight drills.
- Focus on explosive movements that improve speed and reaction time.
- Train for functional strength, not bulk, to stay fast and energy-efficient.
This balanced approach helps fighters build strength, stamina, and speed—without losing agility or burning out from excessive fatigue.
Workout Frequency
- Duration: 16 weeks
- Weekly Schedule: 6 training days with 1 rest day for recovery
- Level: Intermediate fighters (beginners should follow a basic plan first)
Exercise Routine
- Mon & Thu: Strength training (Legs, Back, Grip on Monday; Chest, Shoulders, Triceps on Thursday)
- Tue & Fri: Cardio and bag/pad training
- Wed & Sat: Martial arts cardio training
- Sun: Rest and recovery
Each session focuses on speed, agility, and explosive strength rather than heavy lifting. Cardio training, including shadowboxing, is key to building endurance and mental toughness for the ring.
Workout Schedule for Boxing & MMA Gloves
- Monday: Weight Training
- Tuesday: Cardio/Fighting Practice
- Wednesday: Cardio/Fighting Practice
- Thursday: Weight Training
- Friday: Cardio/Fighting Practice
- Saturday: Cardio/Fighting Practice
- Sunday: Rest Day
Monday - Legs & Back
|
Leg |
||
|
Exercise |
Sets |
Reps |
|
4 |
15-20 |
|
|
4 |
15-20 |
|
|
4 |
15-20 |
|
|
5 |
15-20 |
|
|
Back |
||
|
Exercise |
Sets |
Reps |
|
4 |
15-20 |
|
|
4 |
15-20 |
|
|
4 |
15-20 |
|
|
4 |
15-20 |
|
|
4 |
15-20 |
|
Thursday - Chest, Shoulders & Triceps
|
Exercise |
Sets |
Reps |
| Chest | ||
|
4 |
15-20 |
|
|
4 |
15-20 |
|
|
Shoulders |
||
|
Exercise |
Sets |
Reps |
|
4 |
15-20 |
|
|
4 |
15-20 |
|
|
4 |
15-20 |
|
|
4 |
15-20 |
|
|
Triceps |
||
|
Exercise |
Sets |
Reps |
|
4 |
15-20 |
|
|
4 |
15-20 |
Related Article: Every Lifter Should Know These 7 Facts About Essential Amino Acids
Tuesday & Friday – Cardio & Bag/Pad Training
These sessions build speed, endurance, and striking accuracy. Keep your rest short to simulate real fight conditions.
Round 1: 3 minutes of quick jabs and strikes – focus on speed and precision
Rest: 1 minute
Round 2: 3 minutes of heavy power strikes – develop explosive force
Rest: 1 minute
Round 3: 3 minutes of freestyle combos – mix speed, footwork, and angles
Rest: 1 minute
Repeat: 3–4 times
Finish with 10–15 minutes of jump rope or shadowboxing to improve footwork and overall conditioning.
Wednesday & Saturday – Martial Arts Cardio
These sessions improve fight technique, cardio, and mental toughness. Combine technical drills with high-intensity rounds.
Warm-Up: 5–10 minutes of dynamic stretches and shadow movements
Round 1: 3 minutes of quick strikes – focus on sharp execution
Rest: 1 minute
Round 2: 3 minutes of heavy strikes – build raw punching power
Rest: 1 minute
Round 3: 3 minutes of freestyle combos – simulate real fight situations
Rest: 1 minute
Drills: 3 rounds of footwork, defense, and counter techniques
End with 10 minutes of core training: planks, Russian twists, and leg raises for better stability in the ring.
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Conclusion
Boxing and MMA training are all about balance. Strength, cardio, and skill work come together to create a fighter who is fast, powerful, and unstoppable. This plan is your roadmap. Follow it, track your progress, and challenge yourself every session.
Start today, stay consistent, and watch your power, endurance, and confidence grow with every round.
