A study found martial arts to be a safe and effective way for baby boomers, 40- and 50-somethings, to get back into shape. Experts described martial arts as fun, good for self-defense and helpful for long-term prevention against disease.
Martial arts have been described as the inexpensive alternative to gym memberships or expensive home-exercise equipment.
In a study, the overall fitness of 18 individuals between 40 and 60 years were examined. The participants included nine people who had been practicing soo bahk do, a Korean martial arts similar to karate, for three years and nine other people who had adapted to a "couch potato" lifestyle.
Results of the study showed that overall those committed to soo bahk do had more flexibility, leg strength, less body fat, better balance and better aerobic conditioning compared to the sedentary group. While the sedentary group could only manage 37 sit-ups in a row, the soo bahk do group averaged 66 sit-ups before exhaustion set in.
Sports experts have expressed their beliefs in the martial arts as an excellent form of fitness for the middle-aged population, however caution beginners to take it slowly and intelligently. Experts have also referred to martial arts as the "self defense" against aging.
British Journal of Sports Medicine April 2004;38(2):143-7
I commend anyone who devotes himself or herself to an exercise regimen as this is an important method to improving overall health.
Martial arts seem to be a creative and great alternative form of exercise. The combination of cardio and mental focus target both your mental and physical health, which, as you probably know if you read my newsletter, are both incredibly important.
I do caution however, as they did in the article, that if you are going to start a martial arts program to take it at your own pace, start slowly and then gradually build up to advanced levels. A qualified instructor to help you along and show you how to perform the moves correctly and safely would also be very beneficial.
Exercise is a critical component of good health and becomes even more critical as you age. Some of the other valuable benefits of exercise include:
The key to gaining full benefits from any type of exercise program is committing yourself to it. If you are actively involved in martial arts or any kind of exercise program make sure you are getting all of the nutrients you need by eating a nutritious diet full of whole foods. If, for whatever reason, you’re not eating 3 meals a day, or you find yourself going to a fast food restaurant, consider Whey Protein with Aminogen®. This protein supplement is a superior alternative to soy protein shakes or other "healthy" meal replacements. But remember that whole foods are always the best choice.