You know what? Perhaps it’s time that you take a little step back from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu… No, no – not from training BJJ, but from being focused exclusively on it for the sake of your health! For, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that Jiu Jitsu is a miracle potion of sorts; when, in fact, the rest of your lifestyle habits are actively making your health worse.
Here are the top 4 of these habits that you’ve got to get rid off.
BJJ IS YOUR ONLY FORM OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the greatest sport and martial art there is. However, truth be told, it’s really not the best form of exercise out there. It facilitates bad posture (you’re crunched over most of the time); and can lead to some really grotesque injuries if your muscles and tendons aren’t conditioned properly beforehand – for example, rotator cuff injuries.
So, if you aren’t doing any other form of exercise that would strengthen these weak spots, left over by BJJ, you’re doing a tremendous disservice to your health.
The best way for ditching this bad habit is by incorporating exercises which will improve you in these regards. Executing workouts in the gym which will straighten up your posture and strengthen those weak muscles is one option. Yoga is another, and swimming a third great one.
Just choose one of the three and stick to it. You’ll be much healthier as a by-product.
NOT ENOUGH (PROPER) SLEEP
How many hours of sleep do you get per night? Be honest with us. Probably not too much, right? And when you wake up, as well as with you going further with the day, you probably feel drowsy and really not on top of your game. You’re ready to fall asleep whenever, wherever!
This is in no way good for your health, and it’s one of the worst habits you could have. Therefore, make it a point to go to bed at approximately the same time and to get out of it at the same time, with at least 7 hours of sleep in-between.
You need sleep, you need recovery. Do it.
BRO, DO YOU EVEN HYDRATE?
This one’s easy and probably all too familiar as well. You aren’t drinking enough water! And when you don’t drink enough water, you automatically feel sluggish, your performance (in BJJ, at work, school…) plummets, and your immune system gets compromised.
So, please, start drinking more water. It’s so vital that you implement this habit, plus it’s rather easy to do! For example, you could carry a water bottle wherever you go, so that it’s always within your reach. Or/and you could set up an alarm clock to go off every 20 minutes or so, so that you get used to drinking water then. Also, slowly ditch sugary drinks and replace all of them with water.
Whatever you choose to do, it will get you hydrated; which will improve your health!
YOUR HEALTH WHEN IN FRONT OF THE SCREEN (ALL THE TIME)
Ah yes, the good ol’ eyesight reducing and spine curvature increasing habit; being in front of the screens all the time. Be it in front of your PC, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, or everything together – your posture is getting worse, and your eyesight is suffering bit by bit. Your back is starting to hurt, and the glasses are coming your way. Your back hurts – chronically – and the glasses are always with you.
The remedy is simple: step away from the screen and do something else. Perhaps you could go to the gym or even roll some more?
Stop Feeling Sore, Tired, And Injured And Start Being Preventative With Your Injuries. It’s Time To Become Bulletproof For BJJ!
- Get grappling-specific exercise routines to build mobility, strength, grip, and core, with or without a gym
- This system was designed by BJJ brown and black belts and professional fitness gurus Joe Worthington and James Tomlinson
- Get different exercises, sets, reps, and more to keep your workouts fresh and dynamic:
