Benefits of Practicing Martial Arts

Contrary to popular opinion, learning and practicing a martial art will not make you overly aggressive. On the other hand, martial arts teach practitioners to value the importance of balance and harmony in their life. Read on to learn the many physical and psychological benefits of practicing martial arts.

Heart Health

Martial arts enhance heart rate and raise blood flow to various parts of the body. They make the heart muscles stronger, and keep blood vessels clear and flexible. A weak heart can cause lethargy and fatigue, so practice a martial art to improve your heart health.

Improved Coordination

Martial arts boost balance and coordination, and quicken reflexes. They focus on developing physical agility combined with mental concentration. You can learn how to change directions easily and move effortlessly. You are sure to improve your hand-eye coordination with constant practice.

Better Flexibility

Consistent practice of a martial art can make your joints and muscles more flexible. This has a positive impact on motion range as well as body posture. Seniors can thus benefit from martial arts as they can help them to age in a healthy and graceful manner.

Psychological Health

Practicing a martial art can have a rejuvenating effect on your mental health. You can learn to improve your focus and become single-pointed. Your mind will become disciplined and less susceptible to negative thoughts. Martial art experts learn to stay calm, and exercise their will power to persevere with their tasks.

Martial arts train practitioners to become more responsible and observe mutual respect.You can learn to control your aggression and gain inner strength. Regular practice helps to relieve tension and frustration, and improves emotional health. The training releases feel-good endorphins in the body, which elevates mood and breeds happiness.

Self-Confidence

Learning a martial art can boost your physical and psychological confidence. Martial arts teach effective self-defense methods as well the presence of mind to implement them smartly. You are sure to remain calm even in crisis situations, as you know that you can take care of yourself. So, learn and practice a martial art to protect yourself against crime and violence.

Research on the Benefits of Practicing Martial Arts

Martial arts can be practiced by anyone, of any age. A research study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals that middle-aged practitioners of martial arts were physically much fitter compared to those of similar age who led a sedentary life. The martial art practitioners had better balance, and improved flexibility and strength, compared to the sedentary study participants.

Another study indicates that practicing tai chi, a mild form of martial art, reduces the generation of stress chemicals like cortisol. Practicing this martial art helped seniors increase their brain size. This is essential for the elderly as a reduction in brain volume can lead to dementia and similar neurodegenerative ailments. A third research project reveals that practicing tai chi helped people suffering from Parkinson's disease to improve their balance and reduce falls.

Summary

You can learn and practice a martial art according to your fitness level. It is an effective way to combat physical and mental stress. So, boost your energy levels and psychological well-being with consistent martial art practice.