Before you surrender your credit card to the gym bunny, pause for a moment and ask yourself honestly if you’ll still be pounding the treadmill this time next year.
Joining the gym is a recurring fitness resolution that we all fall for….but it needn’t be that way.
Make it your resolution to tell the treadmill to go take a hike in 2010. It’s time to choose something a little less one dimensional and way more exciting; something far more cost-effective that will not only get great results but something that you will still be doing this time next year.
Here are five reasons why learning martial arts will be a resolution you keep
1. It’s like a personal trainer at a fraction of the cost
In a martial arts class a good trainer will never let you get away with cheating yourself. You’re there from the beginning of the class right up until it finishes and if you’re not working hard enough you might be on the receiving end of 20 extra push-ups. Those who enjoy a challenge and work hard will always see results.
For example
The intoxicating lure of the gym in January is hard to resist, but the novelty soon wears off and it can be difficult to summon up the enthusiasm to attend three times a week like you promised yourself. As your frequency of attendance drops, the price per visit increases. A good martial artist trainer won’t let you do this to yourself or your bank balance. They have a personal investment in you—they want to push your potential and see you progress.
2. It’s a total body workout and is a proven method to lose inches
Each class is different and the fact that it’s a workout is disguised because you’re having so much fun throwing kicks and punches. Ask yourself these questions: How many times would you have to go to the gym to lose an inch? How many additional spinning classes would you need to attend just to build up your cardio? In a martial arts workout, you’re not just losing inches you’re also gaining strength, coordination, endurance and balance—all in one workout. Don’t forget that you will also be armed with a new skill set with which to defend yourself. There’s really no reason not to love it.
3. Martial arts offers full growth potential
Do you learn something new each time you step on the treadmill? Studying martial arts isn’t just about fitness and inches, it also helps develop a new sense of self-esteem and confidence, which translates to all aspects of your life, not just when you’re on the mats.
4. It’s not just about fitness—it’s about discovering your limitless potential
A good martial arts instructor is trained to see the potential in everyone. As you learn and grow, your potential expands. Want to learn MMA? Fancy a bit of Tai Chi or perhaps entering a competition? Once you have a good foundation you are able to expand in a multitude of directions. Soon your options become limitless. It’s not just about fitness; it’s about what you have the ability to become.
5. Train in a supportive, fun environment and meet like-minded people
Trying anything for the first time can be nerve-wrecking, but there’s no need to get the jitters when attending martial arts classes. Even if you don’t believe it now, you’ll find that everyone there is training for exactly the same reasons. These shared goals provide a supportive network that no gym can match. Throw in the fact that most clubs have an element of tradition and respect and you’ll find they welcome you with open arms rather than leave you to take the first steps alone.
For example
Most martial arts clubs offer personal training as well plenty of opportunities to work others in a classroom environment. If you’re not feeling confident, just mix and match your classroom sessions with personal training until you feel ready.
Note
It’s not so easy to fit a treadmill in to your pocket but martial arts arms you with exercise techniques that you can practice anywhere without the need for any equipment. Which means you can let it rip wherever you feel comfortable: In the park, in your living room or even in your hotel room.
BIO
Emma Lynds is a Hapkido black belt and owns Elements Academy of Martial Arts (Vancouver’s only female owned martial arts club). She is a strong proponent of female martial arts and self-defense, and believes in the limitless potential of all her students. She is currently studying boxing, Jiu-Jitsu and Mauy Thai, with plans for her first fight in Thailand in March, 2010.
