It is vitally important that we keep active as we get older but what constitutes good exercise? Most doctors will recommend walking or perhaps jogging to help heart health but many people find such exercise dull and boring which is why so many end up avoiding it. Why not get active and learn some self defense techniques at the same time? Martial arts have a myriad of benefits for active adults who are keen to remain fit and healthy. These benefits include strengthening the body and mind, preventing damaging falls and self-protection and will be discussed below.
Strong Body, Strong Mind
As we get older, we actually need more exercise to stay strong and healthy but end up doing much less. Martial arts is not only an interesting method of remaining active, it employs all your body parts so your legs, abdominals, arms, chest, shoulders and back all receive a workout. The physical nature of martial arts provides great cardio training which increases fitness and heart health. Reduce the chances of contracting illnesses like heart disease and cancer by getting oxygen to your body. Martial arts also imbues you with a sense of peace and many practitioners enjoy the serenity they feel when training.
Preventing Falls
As we get older, the body starts to weaken and our balance becomes unsteady. This increases the chances of us suffering from heavy falls and breaking bones. Osteoporosis sufferers are likely to receive a bad injury from a fall but martial arts can be the solution to this problem. Many martial arts teach students how to ‘fall’ properly and cushion the impact upon landing. This training includes learning how to roll and protecting the head and other vulnerable parts of the anatomy. As an added bonus, martial arts training also improves balance and reduces the likelihood of falling in the first place.
Self-Protection
This is the most obvious benefit of martial arts for active adults. Unfortunately, we are deemed to be more vulnerable by society as we get older. As a result, cowardly thugs like to target the elderly for robberies and muggings. With martial arts on your side, you can surprise any assailant with your skills and send them cowering with their tail between their legs. With enough training, you will never be weak and defenseless again. This provides an untold mental benefit too as you no longer worry about being alone and banish fear from your life.
Active adults live longer and enjoy better health. Martial arts helps you achieve a sense of calm, allows you to defend yourself, strengthens your entire body and most of all, gives you a purpose.
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Hi, my name is Eric. As I grow older, I continue to write and practice martial arts. To keep in shape, I frequent a Gilbert martial arts dojo dedicated to teaching martial arts practitioners of all ages. Check out these reviews of Sandoval Freestyle Karate to learn more.