Ultimate Combat
If looking for a fun and different way to get in shape is on your to-do list today, make a stop at Ultimate Combat at 12101 South Factory Outlet Drive in the VF Factory Outlet Mall. Although it’s known as one of the best gyms in Utah for training mixed martial arts cage fighters, it’s also a fun, casual place to work out for people interested in looking and feeling good.
“About 90 percent of the people who come in aren’t there to train to become a fighter,” says owner Mike Stidham. “They just want to get into shape and want a comprehensive workout program.”
Over the last 10 years, mixed martial arts fighting has exploded in popularity and spawned a weekly radio show in Utah on 1280 The Zone and a weekly television show, the Ultimate Combat Experience.
Because of that, the idea of using mixed martial arts to lose weight and tone the body also became more popular. Ultimate Combat is a family gym and offers classes for all ages, starting at 5 years old. Children’s Jiu Jitsu is a way for the youngest fans to get started learning the sport in a non-combat class.
A lot of children get involved in athletics, most from a young age. Sports can teach a child a lot, but Mike says martial arts and earning different belts allows children to work toward goals, building their self esteem while making them strong. Students can improve at a rapid pace as they work toward the next belt level.
Women have also started seeing the benefits of this style of training and Mike says he’s starting to see more women sign up for classes and working with a trainer. One thing that has brought many in is the low monthly cost. For as little as $69 a month, people can work out at the gym with the trainers and take advantage of the variety of classes offered there. Interested in training to be a cage fighter? That’s part of the same low monthly fee.
“The common misconception is that only knuckle draggers hang out here,” Mike joked. “It is actually a family atmosphere martial arts studio first. We take a light hearted approach and try to have fun. We’ve been in business for more than 20 years, and we’ve always strived to keep the prices low to make it affordable for everyone.”
All experience levels are welcome at Ultimate Combat and there is a class for nearly every person, Mike says. Boxing, kick boxing, wrestling, Jiu Jitsu, fitness mixed martial arts and the original mixed martial arts classes are available throughout the week for adults and children.
Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., trainers are on hand most of the day to work with clients to help them meet their fitness goals. For more information about what Ultimate Combat can do for you, visit its website at www.ultimatecombat.com or call 801-967-5295.
