More Than Just Kicking and Punching:
Martial Arts to Get fit.
When I started martial arts I had absolutely no intention to get fit in any way shape, or form. I was skinny, maybe a bit too skinny when I started in Junior High, but I was not “unhealthy”. I am sure I could have been healthier, but that was not a concern at 14.
Here we are today, and I am using a love that I developed for martial arts to get back in shape. Again not really planned. My goal with martial arts has always been to get to a master’s level, open a school share my love and passion, and help others discover martial arts. Regardless, martial arts did more.
How it started...
When I started began, I started with the idea of learning self-defense to help with my confidence. I got that, but I also got stronger and developed my stamina. I knew this might be a byproduct but was not my main goal. And today, when you speak with people who want to “get fit” they talk about a gym membership or personal trainer and those are great, but martial arts provides so much more.
After I had my kids, it did not cross my mind to dive back into training to “get fit”. I sought out workout plans and walking when all I had to do was start kicking. If only I had this realization sooner.
Just recently I completed a 30-day kick challenge: see here, that I had intended to just get me back into the swing of things and while it did, it also helped to strengthen my arms, legs, and core. Don’t believe me? Follow the link and try it out. Kicking is a whole-body action.
Why it Works...
It works because it needs your whole body. You need your core to stay upright, and your legs to create power and specific kicks utilize different muscles. Need to work on your inner thighs, let’s work some round houses, build your glutes, let’s do some back kicks and so much more. And obviously, once you get into punching you can expect your arms to look great.
That’s the thing though. Martial arts are fun. They will work your whole body every time, AND you learn a skill. I honestly feel like it is a win-win. Now I am not saying never to go to a gym just do martial arts. I am saying martial arts is more than just kicking and punching, it can be utilized to obtain your physical goals and can also help with your mental/spiritual growth.
So let’s kick in getting fit.
