There is a great deal of publicity nowadays about obesity and the food we eat, with more and more people looking for ways to get fit and, according to the health reports, live longer!
The way we work and live has changed hugely over the past 20 to 30 years, with modern technological advances making our lives a lot easier; but are they making us lazier? How often do you hear the excuse, "I don't have the time"?
Analyse that with the people who use it, and soon you realise that the 'time' they don't have is often spent sat in front of the TV! And worse, a microwave dinner or takeaway on their laps.
Modern advances are great, but it is important to retain control of your life, and to enjoy it. How hard is it really to switch off the TV and go for a walk? Just a 20 or 30 minute walk 3 or 4 times a week will have dramatic health benefits. You don't have to power walk, just walk, at normal pace, increasing the distance gradually. That is just one simple way to get fitter and also enjoy excellent health benefits.
Joining a gym is often high on people's lists, often with good intentions. But how many people do you know who join up only to stop after a few weeks through boredom? Sure, some stick at it, but, if the press is anything to go by, a lot don't!
Jogging is another option, but, again, can get repetitive and boring for many.
In our opinion, a good all round form of exercise is martial arts. You don't have to be a spring chicken to start, and many people of all ages dip their toes into one of the popular martial arts, and often find they enjoy it immensely. Most clubs cater for all sizes, shapes and ages, so, if you are middle aged or older, you won't be expected to fly around the hall like Bruce Lee!
All clubs will help you, and guide you in the right way to suit your particular capabilities. There are a lot to choose from as well, such as the mainstream Karate, Judo and Taekwondo. If you fancy something less 'arduous' there is always Kung Fu or Tai Chi, both very graceful, especially Tai Chi which is often favoured by many older people.
Boxing is another option, and will offer you a great mix of work out. In fact, most martial arts clubs these days will utilise different ways of getting you fit, often with things like basic circuits, or bag and pad work. Martial arts is not all just going up and down in a line, although that is certainly a part of it. Drills will help you learn techniques through repetition, and they are also a great way to burn calories.
After a few line drills, you will probably get to do some pad work, putting those techniques into a more practical form, learning combinations which will improve things like reaction and hand/eye coordination. Pairing up with another student to do some light contact practise sparring will get you moving about and using what you learn, blocking, counter punch or kick, going on the attack.
Martial arts is about self defence, yes, but also about self awareness and confidence. You will learn how to defend yourself, but equally, you will learn discipline and etiquette, and above all you will quickly become fitter and fitter over quite a short space of time.
Nearly all martial arts clubs will offer a free introductory lesson, so you can go to as many clubs as you want and try them all before you decide which club and which discipline you think will suit you best.
Worried about the cost? Most, if not all, martial arts clubs will be a lot cheaper than a gym. The only expense you will have will be buying the relevant uniform and a joining fee which will cover membership and insurance. Training fees range from £2 to £4 a lesson, so you only pay when you go.
We would recommend going a minimum twice a week to start with, so you gain the benefits. Increasing that as you progress will depend on your own circumstances.
As well as all the health benefits, you'll probably make new friends as well, and many clubs will have social gatherings at various times.
Give martial arts a try at least!
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