Hi im thinking of getting in shape in the summer and may take up a 'fighting art' as such. I was wondering if you guys could give me some advice on how to prepare my body? E.g like improve stamina, toughen hands e.t.c?

Thanks in advance

Best thing to do would be to get into overall fitness. Train your cardio and muscle groups around 4 times a week, there are many routines on this forum to help beginners, check the strengthening forum. Also if you are in a striking MA (punches/kicks/etc) you could begin stretching your muscles lightly every day (look in the stretching forum for information). If you are in a grappling MA, building forearm strength by doing wrist curls with a barbell/dumbells and bicep and tricep curls could also help. (Again, check the strengthening forum)

It could help to know that there are 3 types of grip strength, pinch strength, grip strength and crushing strength. If you are doing a grappling MA it uses all these strengths. You can find information about how to train them in these forums and they are easy to find on www.google.com.

[This message has been edited by Leo_E_49 (edited 03-21-2005).]