Martial Arts, By: Evan Waters
Many people get bored or tired of doing the same routine. They try staying in shape, but simply find it dull to due the same routine of lifting weights and/or cardiovascular training such as the treadmill, stationary bike, and elliptical trainer day in and day out. It is especially difficult for the middle aged person to continue training due to the great demand on the body. Health professionals should be aware that there are alternative methods to traditional exercise that can increase the physical fitness and health of the middle aged population. In addition, the quest for the perfect body is of greater volume now, more than ever. I go to the gym and see guys in their 40s and 50s doing hundreds of crunches then they wonder why their beer bellies are still there. It is simple; they have too much body fat. Because of ab crunchers and products that advertise loss of body fat and a trimmer waist in weeks, we become intrigued and devote our time to these ineffective apparatuses and workouts. That is why when someone asks me how to get rid of those extra pounds; I recommend them to take up a martial arts course. And they should know that Martial Arts just aren’t for kids any more. A big group of martial art practitioners are over the ages of 30.
To test how effective Tai Chi was on elderly people, The Department of Sports Science and Physical Education at The Chinese University of Hong Kong concluded that after testing and creating studies proved that elderly people who regularly practiced tai chi not only showed better proprioception at the ankle and knee joints than sedentary controls, but also better ankle kin aesthesis than swimmers/runners. The large benefits of tai chi exercise on proprioception may result in the maintenance of balance control in older people.
In April of 2004, a study was conducted to quantify and compare fitness levels of middle aged practitioners of Soo Bahk do (a Korean martial art similar to karate) with those of sedentary subjects. The results were astonishing. Those who partook in Soo Bahk Do had nearly 12% less body fat than sedentary subjects. They were able to keep their balance for three times the time, were twice as flexible when tested on the sit and reach, could perform nearly 250% more push-ups in one minute, and could do twice as many sit-ups. Br J Sports Med. concluded that there were significant differences between the groups for most of the physical fitness tests.
With so many variations and types of martial arts now offered in classes around the country, it is astonishing that not more people join. Tufts Medical Center in New England concluded that Tai Chi appears to have physiological and psychosocial benefits and also appears to be safe and effective in promoting balance control, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness in older patients with chronic conditions. Similar to Tai Chi, are courses such as karate, Tai Kwon Do, Jiu-Jitsus, Brazilian fighting, wrestling, and more.
The benefits of martial art training are innumerable. Many have experienced both physical and psychological benefits. The physical benefits consist of, but aren’t confined to the following: loss of body fat, healthier year round, becoming more energetic, better physical aerobic condition, as well as stronger joints. Although, Tai Chi and martial arts have shown to help when it comes to joint pain, it may in fact worsen joint pain. But do not quit now! Instead of giving up all the positive benefits of this type of training simply supplement with a joint Aid. Currently, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases in collaboration with the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine have begun a pivotal study to thoroughly evaluate these agents. But thus far, users have seen great results and relief of pain from products such as TKE Joint Boost with MSM, MRM Glucosamine Sulfate, and Omega-3 fish oils. Other supplements such as Chondroitin sulfate and Shark Cartilage have also been shown to increase overall joint health.
There is no excuse on why not to take up a Tai Chi, Karate, or Martial Arts course. The benefits definitely outweigh any drawbacks if there are any. If you are older, do not worry about feeling like the old one in the group. Martial Arts’ popularity has been steadily increasing in the over forty population. Some places even offer classes for the elderly. And if you are still feeling the pain from the workouts, remember to purchase a MSM, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, or Shark Cartlage supplement.
