Can you combine bodybuilding and mixed martial arts training?

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Just the other day I was asked this question on the TFB facebook page...

"Hey Lee, I've been doing Mehdis 5x5 program for strength and size and I'd like to ask is that will my strength and muscle gains lessen if I do MMA as well. Meaning mornings I do the 5x5 program and the evening MMA practice?"

When it comes to combining bodybuilding and other sports you need to realize that you have limited recovery abilities. If you are already following a high intensity strength training workout program and simply add in high intensity MMA training routine chances are you're going to quickly find out that it's just too much for your body to fully recover and you'll end up over training.

Bodybuilding training is very intense. So is MMA training. If you are going to incorporate both activities you'll have to find a compromise that allows you to get enough rest and recovery.

If you start doing MMA workouts you're going to have to scale back on your bodybuilding workouts in order to give your body adequate rest and recover. You can't give it 100% to bodybuilding training and also give it 100% to MMA training. There has to be a compromise somewhere in the middle.