Finding it hard to push yourself off to the gym every morning? Then maybe it’s time to jazz up your fitness routine a bit. Quite a few martial arts techniques taught nowadays have been moulded to suit the endurance level and time-crunch of fast paced living. Learning some easy self-defence techniques and routines not only does wonders for our confidence, but keeps us healthy in the long run too.
I have shortlisted here a few really cool techniques that you can try. These techniques guarantee a fabulous workout burning at least 500 calories an hour working out your whole body and mind. Get ready to pick and choose your way to a leaner and meaner version of you. Sounds exciting, right? So, let’s explore our options to a Lara Croft-ish physique and attitude.
Top 7 Martial Arts Fitness Techniques
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Karate:
Probably the easiest one in terms of finding a training center near you, karate offers manageable overall body workout and some neat self-defence techniques. It also works on stamina, concentration, and reaction time. Additionally, learning to eventually use the nunchuk would surely make you feel way empowered. However, karate basically stresses on freehand defence and combat techniques involving arms as well as legs. The workout is mostly non-contact, but also involves kicking and punching sessions with padded boards and bags. The self-defence techniques are quite manageable and easy for all endurance and weight categories. A one-hour session usually burns up about 500 calories keeping weight and fitness goals within easy reach.
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Mixed Martial Arts:
This self-defence and workout technique can be tried as a way to pep up your routine gym workout. However, it doesn’t mean that you need to have a certain level of fitness to begin with. MMA, through its workout routines involving kicking, punching, strength training and self-defence moves, gradually generates strength and stamina. What you can expect after following the instructions sincerely and practicing, is improved overall body fitness, muscle toning, improved balance and energy. Improved self-confidence, better stress handling and improved self-confidence are some of the not-so-physically-manifesting benefits. It is very helpful in reaching fitness and confidence goals without taxing your endurance.
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Wing Chun Kung Fu:
Precision and efficiency are it’s main building blocks…no doubt there, as a woman developed this technique 😉 Kidding aside, this technique provides total body workout, improved coordination and reflexes, reduced stress and great cardio workout. It involves techniques to help you tackle bigger and stronger opponents without getting hurt in real life situations. What’s best is that you don’t need too much space to do your routine practice. Which means that you do not have to skip your sessions while on a holiday. If staring people bother you, just polish your moves in the hotel room or in a corner of your bedroom!
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Kick-boxing:
This is a great technique that combines boxing, aerobics and martial arts to vent the day’s stress away. You can kick and punch to your heart’s content! It attacks belly fat straight away and can burn up to 900 calories an hour if followed to the T. Kick-boxing is a great whole body workout, as it involves all the major muscle groups along. It also acts as a superb stress buster and cardio conditioner. The improved fitness level, reflexes and killer moves add to the self-defence part of this technique. However, this is a very intense form of exercise and requires loads of energy. So be sure that you are mentally and physically prepared before paying up and signing on the dotted line.
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Krav Maga:
Cardio exercises, strength training and power drills are basically what you are looking at. The aim is to burn calories and tone muscles like never before. As a self-defence technique, this is one of the best. It trains you for stressful and far-from-ideal attack situations simulating real life. Also, you would be able to handle any height and weight group of attacker. The workouts aim at conditioning the body as much as possible because in Krav Maga, you use your body as the ultimate weapon. This combat technique has been moulded to provide excellent workout to all the major muscle groups and offers levels suitable for beginners too.
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Jiu-Jitsu:
This confirmed calorie burner encourages physical fitness with both vertical and horizontal moves. As a self-defence technique, jiu-jitsu teaches us how to grapple and ground a bigger and stronger opponent without striking. It is so effective that this technique has become a part of many military force and self-defence training programs! On a psychological level, it will improve patience and quick-thinking. The increased strength, stamina and muscle tone are the physical outcomes. However, it takes time and patience to master the different grappling techniques. So patience and perseverance should be high on your have-it qualities before deciding to go full force into this amazing workout.
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Capoeira:
If you enjoy dancing, you would surely like this fitness routine. Concocted in Brazil, this is a high-energy fun workout that provides overall fitness and martial arts self-defence techniques. Additionally, you also get great cardio workout, body toning and improved stamina. The graceful rhythmic movements accompanying music help in busting stress in style. Now, there’s no need to get put-off by the ‘high energy’ part because there is always the beginner’s level. At this level, you build your stamina slowly and condition the whole body for higher levels in a fun way. Combining martial arts moves with music and dance, this calorie-burning workout is as fun as learning choreographed dance moves!
It is a good idea to spice up our exercise routine with a generous sprinkling of martial arts time. But, remember that your ultimate decision would depend on your location and budget too. Even if there isn’t a training center handy enough, you can always try some of the online ones! These fitness routines even at their very basic level take care of belly and arm fat, bone health, heart problems, reduced concentration and sleep. As very welcome freebies, they also improve our immune system, flexibility, muscle tone, self-image and confidence. In a way, it becomes the ideal exercise routine not only for men and women but for kids too. Taking up martial arts as your daily exercise routine can change the way you experience life. Exploring what you are truly capable of, it is easy and fun to stay fighting fit the age-old warrior way.
Do you know of any other self-defence and fitness combo that is suitable for beginners too? I can vouch for karate, but have you ever tried any of the techniques mentioned here? I would surely like to hear your experience.
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