Martial Arts is great for anyone at any age. If you are over 40 and looking for a new hobby, exercise program, or just something exciting to jump into, Martial Arts may be one of the best activities to consider. Whether it is Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Kung Fu, training in Martial Arts not only improves one’s physical health, but it can be just plain fun! We’ve gathered the top 5 reasons why Martial Arts may be the perfect fit for those over 40.
- New Physical Activity
For many, our 40’s really are the prime of our life. Careers are hitting full stride, our families have grown up, and we have found our social balance. However, when reaching this point in our lives, we place more demands on ourselves. Our professions and family can keep us from taking care of proper care of ourselves. As we settle into life, training in Martial Arts is a fantastic introduction to a new form of activity and exercise.
As a Martial Artist, you will be engaged in an activity that will challenge both your mind and body. The average hobby most individuals take up at this stage in their lives does not even come close to the benefits Martial Arts affords. If you are looking to feel rejuvenated, refreshed, and re-energized, Martial Arts is the perfect springboard to get yourself moving forward again.
- Total Body Workout
Life happens. When we lose focus on ourselves, our bodies certainly can suffer. Our bodies begin to ache for no reason, flexibility seems to disappear, and weight is gained in all the wrong places. Looking in the mirror, we may stop and wonder where our former self went.
The health benefits of Martial Arts are remarkable. Unlike simply taking up running, yoga, or weight lifting, Martial Arts provides a complete body workout. As you train, your core strengthens while flexibility returns. Your muscles will begin to tone and stamina will increase. Most importantly, the cardiovascular workout from Martial Arts training is exactly what your body needs at 40 years old.
- Bond with Fellow Students
Training with students who share the same passion as you has a tremendous impact on the human psyche. By forming a kinship with others, you will find yourself pushing harder than if taking up an exercise regimen solo. Also, consider joining a Martial Art School with a family member. Doing so can be a wonderful way to strengthen or rebuild lost family bonds.
- Stress Relief
Physical activity has been proven to relieve stress. Participating as a student in Martial Arts takes stress relief to a completely new level. Physically, the cardiovascular workout releases endorphins into the bloodstream, reducing stress levels. The technical aspect of punching, kicking, and grappling is where many students really find their stress levels to dissolve.
However, it is mentally where Martial Arts offers up a more complete relief of stress. Martial Arts training requires a focus found in only a handful of other activities. This focus allows you to shut out the stress of the day and reset your mind. Your training is as much mental as it is physical. Over time, this mental training will translate into your daily decision-making, helping to prevent stress before it even begins.
- A Lifetime of Improving Yourself
Training in Martial Arts can last a lifetime if you want it to. It is common to find students training well into their 60’s, 70’s and even 80’s. For many, the physical and mental aspects of training coupled with the camaraderie of training with others is the perfect winning combination. Having a passion for Martial Arts means never being bored. The next goal will always be there, just waiting to be reached.
Choosing the Right MARTIAL ARTS School
Committing yourself to Martial Arts is a big decision. It is important to carefully select a school that will meet your needs, regardless of your age.
We provided five reasons why you should consider training in Martial Arts. If you are ready to take the next step, here are five tips for joining a school and changing your life:
- Look for Training, Not Fighting
Schools offering Martial Arts come in many different forms. Once you have found a school training your age group, learn what their training objectives are. It is best to avoid Martial Art schools whose primary focus is to train fighters for competition. Look for schools who train Martial Arts in a way where the focus is on you instead of the next competition.
- Watch a Class
Before you join any martial arts school, visit the school and watch a few of their classes. Keep an eye on the pace and personality of the class. Get a feel for the other students. Are they having fun or are they being pushed too hard? Also, look for instructors who focus more on their students’ overall well-being.
- Meet the Instructor
This may perhaps be the most important tip on the list. Remember, you get to choose which school you join and ultimately your instructor. Ask the instructor any questions you may have. Then listen intently. Instructors should make you feel welcome with a genuine interest in your well-being and growth. And remember, not all black belts are great instructors and not all great instructors are black belts.
- Meet the Students
With the instructor’s permission, ask for an opportunity to speak with a handful of their students. In fact, it should be encouraged by the training staff. Ask them about why they decided to join, what their first week was like, and what you should expect if you decided to join. Don’t be afraid to ask about things they may not like about the school as well.
- Start Slow
Starting your Martial Arts journey exciting! Take your time and start slow. A good instructor will help you move forward at your own pace. Many of your fellow students may have been training for many years and it is easy to want to keep up. Transfer your excitement into concentration and after settling into a few classes a week, you will develop your own rhythm and place among your peers.
Take the Next Step
With all the health benefits Martial Arts offers, at its core, Martial Arts remains one of the most effective forms of exercise and keeping in shape. On top of improved balance, stronger muscles, and greater focus, training in Martial Arts prepare you to effectively defend yourself. Skills very few 40-year olds can claim they have.
The hardest step is taking the next step. If you are ready to bring out the best in yourself, visit our Plantation Martial Arts Academy to learn more. It would be our pleasure to answer any questions you may have in taking the next big step in life