How martial arts training can help in physical and mental development
Recent studies show that people who practice martial arts in their 30s and 40s are more mentally and physically fit as compared to those that do not practice its techniques. Not only does it make you fit it also slows down aging, of the body and the mind. These people have 12% less body fat and can do twice as many sit ups. They have more strength and flexibility in their muscles and have a better immune system. Such people have highly developed balance and coordination as well.
Martial arts are not only responsible for physical fitness, they improve mental and spiritual capabilities as well. When you practice martial arts you will enhance your energy levels, gain more confidence and self respect, you become more enthusiastic about what you do and you face everything with a peaceful mind and a lot of courage.
The following are the physical benefits of performing martial arts:
With martial arts and its intense and repetitive moves and combat techniques, you end up burning a lot of calories and hence lose weight. Judo and wrestling are excellent martial arts techniques that improve metabolism and burn calories.
- Increased cardiovascular health
Your cardiovascular system included the heart and the blood vessels. A weak cardiovascular system can result in breathlessness, fatigue, weaknesses and can also risk to heart failure and stroke in extreme conditions. In order to improve your heart functioning you must stress your heart by performing physical exercises and what better exercise is there than martial arts to improve your cardiovascular health. Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai improve circulation and cardiovascular health.
Practicing martial arts can increase the muscle mass in the body thus increasing its metabolic demands. Thus, more food will be metabolized to create energy to perform muscle movements and more calories will be burned in the process. This will ensure that you do not become obese or fat and remain physically fit. A high muscle mass will also make you more agile as you grow older therefore, you will be less vulnerable to tripping and falling. Wrestling, karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and most other martial arts techniques can improve your muscle tone.
While performing martial arts you become more alert and focused on one point. You do not lose concentration and remain agile. This improves your reflexes and your reaction time. You react to certain situations more quickly and engage in combat with greater speed and agility. This is not only necessary while performing martial arts techniques, it is also important in your daily life as well like in driving. Almost all martial arts can improve your reflexes and thus are excellent for self defense.
Apart from the physical benefits martial arts offer mental and psychological benefits too such as improved mood. While performing martial arts you can relieve physical and mental stress, remove frustration and become more relaxed making you happier. Endorphins that are released during physical activity gives you feelings of joy and happiness. You enjoy life more and deal with stressful matters in a calm and peaceful manner.