Nurture the Body and Mind

Looking for a sport that focuses on both the body and mind?

What if I told you that there was a way to achieve the following characteristics?

• Become happy and relieve stress
• Lose weight
• Gain fast twitch muscles, flexibility, and strength
• Slow the aging process
• Join a community of healthy, well-balanced people
• Become more intelligent

You probably think you’re being sold a pill. That’s not the case. What I have compiled for you is a list of scientifically backed reasons why joining a martial art can help you. Whether you have “martial arts” written on your bucket list or keep a rack of black belts in your closet, doing martial arts today can benefit you greatly!

MARTIAL ARTS ENHANCE MENTAL PERFORMANCE

In an article from BotBot, studies showed an improvement in memory, enhanced problem-solving skills, and reduced risk of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s after taking part in an exercise regimen. The most effective types of exercises were aerobic and resistance-training methods, both of which can be found in the martial arts. What’s more, it doesn’t matter when you start. Exercise yields immediate cognitive improvements.

Martial arts are different from other forms of exercise, because a lot of it requires tactical thinking. This means an increase the brain’s ability to learn, or plasticity. Resistance training, flexibility or coordination, and aerobic movements all add up to enhanced brain plasticity.

BOOSTS YOUR MOOD AND RELIEVES STRESS

In Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s Flow, he describes how there is a state where an “optimal experience” or state of flow can happen. He cites martial arts as being “a specific form of flow” (Csikszentmihalyi 106) where “the warrior strives to reach the point where he can act with lightning speed against opponents, without having to think or reason about the best… moves to make” (106). This state of optimal experience is an accomplice in achieving happiness.

As with any exercise, it has psychological benefits. In an article on WebMD, researchers stated that regular exercise releases chemicals called endorphins. The endorphins affect the way your brain perceives pain, often triggering a positive feeling in the body. Not only do they act as analgesics (covering the feeling of pain), but they also act as sedatives. This means that the chemicals relieve stress, alleviate anxiety and depression, improve self-esteem, and act as a sleep-aid.

Get in Shape with a Martial Arts Industry Association!

Martial arts are beneficial, no matter where you’re coming from. Budo can prevent aging, such as muscle atrophy and illnesses. It improves your mental health by boosting your mood and relieving stress. You gain muscle, pump up your metabolism, and increase your flexibility. You improve your cognitive functions. You cultivate connections with like-minded, happy people.

To get started at a legitimate martial arts industry association, call 734-720-0330 or submit a contact form here.