The Martial Arts are perhaps one of the best forms of exercise for a fitness program. If done correctly a typical workout incorporates every muscle group in your body. But the most important reason the Martial Arts is one of the best forms of exercise is because it is FUN!! Enjoying your exercise routine helps you stick with it and attain your personal goals. Additionally practicing the Martial Arts increases and improves your self-confidence, also you feel better physically and mentally. Regardless of your age a Martial Arts will benefit your overall fitness. A complete Martial Arts training program includes:
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Cardiovascular Training
-with sparring, and repetitive drills;
Resistance and Strength Training
-with weights, dynamic tension, and partner drills
Flexibility Training
-with breathing and stretching practices.
Balance/Stability Training
-with all elements
...All of these factors coupled with a balanced diet provides a well rounded fitness program.
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Most drills and exercises in Martial Arts training are a great source of Short and Hard Cardio workouts. Short and Hard Cardio workouts offer the largest increase in metabolism, increased Cardio health and respiratory output (the ability to not get winded!). When looking at your Martial Arts program you do need to make sure that it includes at least one set of 10-30 minutes of sustained activity to achieve the benefits of a short and hard Cardio workout. Sparring, kick drills, combination drills and bag work are all great Short and Hard Cardio activities to look for in your program.
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You are now well on your way to getting into shape, all you have to do now is start training! Like everything in life things go better if you plan ahead and take it slow. A serious fitness program requires you to workout at least 3-5 days a week, but never more then 6 days a week. If you are just starting out or haven’t workout in a while ease into your workout to avoid discouraging yourself and injury. Here is a suggested workout schedule* to guide your progress towards a complete Martial Arts fitness program:
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Beginning Warm-up and Stretching (Cardio/Dynamic tension/flexibility/balance)
Repetitive Form or Fighting Drills (Dynamic tension/Cardio)
Partner and Bag Work (Strength/Cardio/Balance)
Sparring (Serious Cardio)
Cool-down and stretching exercises (flexibility)
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Starting Month 1-3:- Martial Arts class 1-2 days a week: [1 hour]
Additional Strength Training (warm-up exercises) 1-2 days a week: [10 min - 20 min]
Additional Cardio Training (bag work, jump rope, etc.) 1 day a week: [10 min – 20 min]
[Total Weekly Time Commitment: 1 hr 20 min to 3 hrs]
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Starting Month 4-5:- Martial Arts class 1-3 days a week: [1-2 hours]
Additional Strength Training (warm-up exercises) 1-2 days a week: [20 min - 45 min]
Additional Cardio Training (bag work, jump rope, etc.) 1 day a week: [20 min – 30 min]
[Total Weekly Time Commitment: 1 hr 40 min to 8 hrs]
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Starting between Months 6+:- Martial Arts class 2-3 days a week: [1-3 hours]
Additional Strength Training (warm-up exercises) 1-2 days a week: [30 min - 1 hour]
Additional Cardio Training (bag work, jump rope, etc.) 1 day a week: [30 min - 1 hour]
[Total Weekly Time Commitment: 3 hr to 12 hrs]
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Even just working out 2 days a week will greatly improve your fitness level. The best part about all of this, ITS FUN!
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