It has been a source of triumphant combat, discipline, mental strength, technique, self-defense, intellect, and of course fantastic exercise. Martial arts have been passed down from generation to generation in East Asian countries such as China, Japan, and Korea, and over time, each style has evolved and grown for reasons aplenty.
From the fitness aspect, it demands a kind of intensity, discipline and determination that can compare to no ordinary program. But, rest assured, the pain is worth the gain as martial arts not only amp up your workout, they also help you establish mind-body balance.
What’s more, the added benefits of learning a skill and a form of self-defense will always be useful to you in many situations. That said, here’s a breakdown of why you should consider signing up for a class for overall well-being, with fitness and weight loss being obvious benefits:
Torch The Calories: When it comes to keeping fit and fighting weight gain, martial arts is one of the best ways to look your best and keep the flab off. It involves intense cardio conditioning, functional movements, strength training, flexibility, and heightened body awareness, which doubles the speed of your hand-eye coordination and motor skills. It also challenges and engages the entire body from head to toe. Additionally, your muscles are consistently shocked into alertness as you execute new stances, kicks, blocks, and strikes. This keeps them engaged to full potential.
Ripped Abs: Muay Thai, Taekwondo, and Judo, originating from Thailand, Korea, and Japan, are all styles you should consider learning. They quickly build core strength and give you extreme muscle tone around your mid-section.
Mental Well-Being: Practicing any form of martial arts relieves stress, elevates your mood, and gives you a sense of empowerment that stems from learning how to protect oneself. It also lends you inner peace and calm as you expend your negative energy while training for combat. This ultimately creates great discipline, control and focus, leading to mental stability.
Fun & Addictive: Martial arts make you feel energized and generate feel-good endorphins. Regular practice will have you waking up feeling lighter and more limber—fueled and raring to go! Not to mention, it is a great way to meet people and make friends, and everyone needs to throw a punch now and then; it just feels good!
Strengthens Muscles: With age, people lose muscle density and strength. So, adopting martial arts as a regular exercise 3-4 times a week can help adults, especially over the age of 40, stay strong, maintain healthy muscle mass, and appear more toned.
If you’re convinced and want to give it a go, here are some Jiujitsu, Kenpo Karate, Muay Thai, Taekwondo and Capoeira classes you can sign up for.
PS: Here’s the low-down on Exercise Programs For Weight Loss.
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