I read a lot of hype on "heavy lifting" people go on about it like its something special. I have asked my current boxing instructor and a professional strong man, they both say that weight lifting is counter productive to our sport. Although light weights or even kettlebells is more productive to the sport. I was also told by my professional strong man friend that people who pump iron too much aren't as strong as they look its all glamor and not much else. What does every one think of this?

Though somewhat true, that statement is somewhat misguided. People who "bodybuild" tend to focus on "looking good" instead of "performing well at a particular sport."

Muscle is a very dense tissue, and a lot of muscle is a lot of very dense tissue. And generally speaking, a lot of dense tissue slows you down. It's basic physics.

With martial arts, speed is key. And despite all the "whining and crying" that I'm sure my post with evoke by meatheads with really hurt feelings, big meaty people are generally not as fast a limber and quick as smaller, less massive people.

On a more fundamental basis, I promise you that "curling a dumbbell" is basically worthless when it comes to "not getting your *kitten* kicked."

In fairness, "Tae Bo" and "Cardio Kickboxing" also fall into that category.

I speak from experience, as I am a 24 year martial artist and combatives instructor who also happens to be a 6'3, 270 pound meathead.

You NEED to weight train if you are in a "fighting sport" - yes NEED to!

I think what they were referring to is building BULK muscle. You def do NOT need bulk. Bulk slows you down and makes you less successful in the "ring."

So, I think they were trying to make a point that didn't come out right.

Weight train for increased strength. (No more than 3 times a week.)

1stly, People who lift because it's their sport lift more than people who lift for a sport. You must modify your lifting for your sport. Weighted punches are definitely a good way to go. But you do need to build up the supporting muscles as well to avoid injury, This is what compound lifts are for. Lifting heavy will get you strength and speed once you start getting in the range for your size you can change it up by going with explosive moves like jumping with weights like the basketball players do. And true big biceps don't do anything for your punches, but big lats will!

If you look at men's mma the heavy weights are slower than the feather weights, however, they have something you don't, testosterone! You cannot bulk. Having said that you can over work. And more muscle does help you lose weight faster. Frequency I have absolutely no idea about, but I'm certain doing deads, bench, overhead press, pendlay rows and squats as in the stronglifts program will help. enhance your sport. At your activity level you probably don't need to do weights for weight loss only performance enhancement.

thats's about all I have. If you were a guy then yeah you have to be careful how much muscle you add but I don't think its true for women.