10 Health Benefits of Martial Arts
1.Cardiovascular Health
Research has found that the only real way to improve cardiovascular health is by participating in activities that stress the heart, such as martial arts. Drills can really help to increase your heart rate and build your cardiovascular endurance.
2. Muscle Tone
Martial arts can increase muscle mass and help you to become more toned overall. Punching and kicking requires a lot of strength and demand the muscles in your arms, legs and core to work really hard. The higher your body mass, the higher your metabolic demands become which in turn reduces your chances of obesity.
3. Weight Loss
A 1-hour session of moderate intensity martial arts can burn up to 500 calories. The NHS recommends that you do at least 50 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week.
4. Reflexes
Good martial artists have fast reflexes! Being about to spar, block and dodge the attacks of your opponent are all important skills in martial arts. Repetition of these skills will improve your reflex and decrease your reaction times. This is useful in lots of day-to-day activities, such as driving.
5. Mobility
Practicing martial arts is a great way to improve your body’s ability to move more efficiently. If your form of martial arts requires a lot of footwork, then you will notice your agility improving greatly.
6. Strength
Many martial art forms require a lot of strength to ensure that your attack is powerful. The repetitive nature of practicing martial arts will increase your body’s strength over time.
7. Flexibility
High kicks and dodging attacks require a lot of flexibility. Having a more flexible body can also help to reduce the chance of you becoming injured.
8. Coordination
Regular practice of martial arts will improve your stability and coordination. You need a certain amount of awareness and stability to execute move and block or avoid attacks. As a martial artist, you will learn what it is to be still, challenged, and focused.
9. Blood Pressure
Practicing martial arts improves your cardiovascular strength, slows down your resting heart rate and lowers your blood pressure. This is because most types of martial arts require intensive training that are similar to high intensity interval training (HIIT).
10. Mental Health
Participating in regular exercise routine is one of the best ways to improve your mood. Performing martial arts is not only a good way to relieve stress and frustration but may actually help to make you happier!
