Why Should I Choose Martial Arts Training Over Other Forms of Exercise?

Question: Why Should I Choose Martial Arts Training Over Other Forms of Exercise?

More and more people are looking to lose weight, get in shape and improve their appearance. Group exercise classes can range from high impact boot camp type training to yoga, from step aerobics to water aerobics, and everything in between.

With all these options, the martial arts are often overlooked by people who are primarily concerned with fitness. What makes martial arts training a better choice for getting in shape than a traditional exercise class?

Answer: Training in the martial arts is about more than just learning to fight. The physical benefits are amazing. Anyone looking to get in shape, get healthy and improve their overall physical condition will be very happy with martial arts training.

Martial arts training provides a true total body workout. You improve both upper and lower body strength. You also will strengthen your core. Developing the abs, back and chest are an important part of most martial arts, as much of the power generated in kicking and punching techniques is generated from your core.

You will also develop a level of strength and fitness that is hard to achieve in other classes. Kicking and punching, stance training, throwing and other martial arts movements are all exercises that involve almost every muscle in your body. Besides the actual muscles involved in, for example, a punch, you also use the rest of your body for stabilization, power generation and recoil. The result is that you get a great workout no matter what skill you are practicing on. Many beginner martial artists comment that they feel great because they are using muscles they didn't even know they had.

Besides muscular development, the martial arts is an almost non stop cardio workout. A typical martial arts class is just an effective total body interval workout. There can be periods of movements that require less effort, followed by intense bursts of effort. Considering that most classes last anywhere between 45 minutes to 2 hours, you can get an amazing interval workout during a martial arts class. Many experts agree that interval training is an effective method of burning fat, improving conditioning and seeing amazing results. Plus, since you are focused on perfecting a technique and not just exercising, it is easier to keep your mind off of feeling tired.

Finally, martial arts training provides other benefits that are simply not found in an exercise class. First and foremost, you learn valuable skills that can help you defend yourself if a dangerous situation ever arose. Also, the improved confidence and self discipline can be life changing for some people. Finally, the martial arts world can open many doors for people. The friendships you form in training can last a lifetime. The people you meet and experiences you have are simply not available by just showing up at a gym, working out and then leaving. Martial arts can be a method of getting shape, but it can also be something much more. It can be wonderful. memorable experience.