Are you a woman looking to get fit, reduce your stress, and get healthy? Have you considered martial arts training? There are amazing benefits, and they are some of the best activities to strengthen your body and mind, irrespective of gender. And you are never too old or too frail.
More and more women are joining martial arts training programs to reap their many benefits. What are they? Let’s explore the many benefits of martial arts for women.
Amazing Martial Arts Health Benefits for Women
Regardless of your current fitness level, martial arts not only provide a great workout but can have an incredible effect on your life. Here, we examine what they can do for your body and mind.
1. Learn Self-Defence : Basic self-defence techniques are life skills. But do not confuse fighting with self-defence; they are not the same. As a woman, it is a good idea to learn martial arts to protect you against possible danger.
In fact, studies point out that most women are motivated to join martial arts classes to learn how to defend themselves from assault and other violence. This is in fact one of the greatest forms of female empowerment. When you know you can defend yourself from most dangers, it automatically gives you a greater sense of self-reliance which does wonders for your mental health.
2. Helpful for Pregnancy : Wondering if it’s safe to practice martial arts during pregnancy? The answer is yes, within reason. A woman’s body goes through many changes during pregnancy, and expectant mothers should stay reasonably fit and active. In fact, there are separate martial arts specifically designed for pregnant women that facilitate childbirth like Kata training and Jiujitsu.
Moreover, martial arts help prevent gestational diabetes and reduce stress and other pregnancy-related health issues. It is highly recommended that you seek the advice of your gynecologist, midwife, or doula before taking up this training.
3. Improves Cardiovascular Health : Martial arts such as kickboxing, Muay Thai, and boxing require vigorous physical exercise. All their different drills accelerate heart rate and help to increase blood flow. Over time, this builds endurance. Our trainers have specially-designed adult programs to cater to individual needs.
4. Strengthens Bone : With estrogen levels in women dropping as they reach menopause, the risk of osteoporosis increases. This situation can be combated with a balanced diet containing a sufficient amount of calcium and vitamin D, lifestyle changes, and proper exercise. Indeed, martial arts like kickboxing or Muay Thai that include repeated strikes using the forearm and shin can gradually help strengthen bones.
If you are new to martial arts, the first few months are going to be hard, but the results can be impressive. Practising them can slow the gradual decline in the muscular-skeletal system that is bound to happen with age and reduce the risk of fall-related injuries.
5. Helps With Obesity: Did you know ever battle obesity? Carrying too much weight increases risk of disease and reduces life expectancy, making obesity a danger that requires serious lifestyle changes. Studies also indicate that abdominal obesity is strongly related to polycystic ovary syndrome and diabetes.
It should come as no surprise that martial arts can help you lose more than a few pounds. Karate, taekwondo and other forms of martial arts not only help you get in shape but effectively combat these serious health issues.
6. Better Mental Health : A stressful lifestyle is not conducive to mental health and motivation, and ignoring the problem can lead to serious issues. Getting into martial arts can better your life and body in more ways than one.
When you are stressed, your adrenal gland releases more cortisol, the hormone responsible for mood swings and anxiety. Mixed martial arts can help you battle depression and anxiety-related issues in a much healthier manner.
Taking care of your mental health should be a top priority. Kickboxing, Muay Thai, boxing and other martial arts can help release endorphins that fight stress. You are guaranteed to get some well-earned rest after such an intense session.
7. Switch to a Healthy Lifestyle: As you make martial arts a bigger part of your life, it will slowly start making a difference. You may not even notice it at first, but over time you will start making better lifestyle choices. Automatically, you will start introducing habits into your daily life that will positively impact your body and mind.
You will notice how practising martial arts can make you more optimistic. Overcoming challenges and obstacles depends a lot on attitude, and training in martial arts will certainly help with that. You will also eat better, stay healthier, and enjoy a better quality of life.
Taking up martial arts as an adult may seem challenging at first, but the journey gets better. As a woman, practising any form of martial art can be extremely beneficial. You will start living a life free from fear and grow stronger mentally and physically. If you are facing any physical issues such as muscle or menstrual cramps or pain, let your trainer know right away. Persistent training and patience through the initial stages will lead you to a practice that can benefit you throughout your life. You are your only limit.