Fitness is at the forefront of every discussion regarding healthy living. An increasing number of people today openly discuss their fitness routines- often labelling them ‘fitness journeys’. These activities range from joining gyms to home workouts and paying personal trainers. Of course, all these forms of fitness are effective in one way or another. But there is one tried and true option: martial arts training.
Martial Arts is a collective term encompassing numerous fighting disciplines. It is a diverse system that incorporates styles with global origins. Therefore, martial arts are a culturally rich form of physical activity. Moreover, training them offers significant physical benefits to its participants.
Since there are many martial arts disciplines, it is impossible to summarise all their benefits in one fell swoop. This article will focus on Kung Fu and answer the question, is Kung Fu a good way to get fit?
Benefits of Kung Fu Training
Physical Fitness – Kung Fu helps develop flexibility and strength, unlike many other workouts, which focus on either or. The repetitive practice of punches, kicks and hip pivots stretches the whole body and develops flexibility while increasing strength. Kung Fu training also involves special stretching routines to boost flexibility in various muscle groups.
Kung Fu training practices contain internal energy work (Chi Kung), breath training, dynamic tension exercises, and cardio, strength and endurance training. So, when you train with a sense of purpose and absolute mental engagement, these practices become an exciting and rigorous method of building strength, flexibility, mobility, and aerobic and anaerobic conditioning.
Better Concentration – Wushu (a martial art form and a full-contact combat sport) stems from a tradition that requires deep focus. You learn how to perform exercises that simultaneously improve the body and mind.
Self-Defence Skills- Training in Kung Fu allows you to effectively learn how to protect yourself- no matter your age. As a result, you boost your physical and mental strength and achieve the optimum fitness level for your age and ability.
Self-Expression – Kung Fu is an art form. It combines beauty and grace with power and acrobatics to allow for the highest possibilities of self-expression. To the uninitiated, it may look like choreographed dance or gymnastics, but within the beauty of sequenced flows lies devastating effectiveness.
Self-Discipline – Kung Fu training can help you learn how to deal with frustration while working toward a specific goal. The discipline involved in training to the limits of your physical abilities and beyond is where you’ll find self-discipline, mental focus, skill acquisition and growth. It is also where health and physical fitness lie if you train correctly and consistently.
So, Is Kung-Fu A Good Way to Get Fit?
Kung Fu training is all-encompassing. Therefore, it helps you develop lifelong physical, emotional, mental and spiritual skills. Moreover, it tests and pushes your physical limits.
Fortunately, Kung Fu -like most other martial arts- has progressive learning for a beginner to follow. Typically, the skills and forms start at a level achievable by participants of all ages and abilities. The beauty of Kung Fu is that there is something for everyone.
