Why Should Adults Take Martial Arts?
It’s no secret that staying active is important to our health — especially as we age. But, not all physical activities are created equal. Cardio and weight training are an ideal combination, and martial arts incorporates both aerobic and body-weight resistance exercises. The study of martial arts also has other components (like balance and agility practices) that prove exceptionally beneficial for adults of all ages. In addition to the obvious physical benefits of exercise, martial arts brings mental and emotional benefits to its students — which are equally important to holistic wellness.
PHYSICAL BENEFITS
Improves Bone Health
We often think of osteoporosis as a condition that only affects older populations. But, as with many degenerative diseases, osteoporosis begins well before symptoms are present. In fact, peak bone mass is reached around age 30, and by the time we reach age 40, we slowly begin to lose bone mass. Weight-bearing exercises (like martial arts) combined with a nutritious diet have been shown to slow the progression of osteoporosis and promote overall bone health.
Prevents Falls And Accidents
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three older adults suffers a serious fall each year, and falls are the leading cause of death in people over 65. Pretty staggering numbers. However, studies funded by the National Institute on Aging have shown that balance- and agility-focused exercises — specifically Tai Chi — can be helpful in preventing falls and mitigating injuries that may result from falls.
MENTAL BENEFITS
Improves Cognitive Function
According to research conducted by Frontiers in Psychology, practicing martial arts can improve reaction times significantly. Furthermore, while all exercise is widely accepted to benefit cognitive abilities, results published in the Journal of Human Kinetics demonstrated that, for middle-aged adults, martial arts training correlated with improved executive function — skills that include focusing attention, retaining information, planning and multitasking.
Teaches Self-Discipline and Respect
Martial arts aims to not only train the body, but the mind. Mindfulness exercises, such as meditation and breath training, encourage martial artists to be introspective and self-aware. Naturally, understanding and respecting the self is the first step to understanding and respecting others. Martial arts also follows the notion that perfection is unattainable. Honoring this idea serves to keep martial arts practitioners humble and disciplined, in that they will revisit material from all levels of their training over and over again, tweaking and learning from even the most basic of teachings.
EMOTIONAL BENEFITS
Increases Self Confidence
Studies conducted by researchers in Germany have shown that adults who practice martial arts experience reduced anxiety. Anecdotally, practitioners of karate report that they feel more confident in themselves and their abilities, as well as have a better body image — owing to the fact that they develop pride in what their body can accomplish, as opposed to how it looks.
Creates A Sense of Community
It has long been known that social interaction and a sense of belonging is important to our mental health. Yet, as we mature into adulthood, the friendships we’ve formed often fall to the wayside as work, marital and family obligations arise. By participating in an organized and routine activity, such as martial arts, it becomes easier to find a place where we feel we are accepted — where we can be ourselves around others who share our interests.
Strengthens Family Bonds
The family that does martial arts together, stays together. In the same ways that joining a dojo helps develop adult friendships, it can also help families find a healthy, fun and exhilarating way to enjoy time with each other. Luckily for you, St. Matthews Martial Arts offers a family discount!
Let’s Do This!
Ready to give martial arts a try? Your first karate, Tai Chi or Wing Chun class is free. Find a time that fits your schedule, sign up and see how martial arts can help improve your life.