2018 is coming to a close, and if you’re like most people, you’re starting to think about 2019 and the goals you’d like to achieve for the year. We will wake up on January 1 with a renewed determination to make 2019 the best year. Unfortunately, it comes to no surprise that over half of us will quit our resolutions by the end of the month.
Many people have difficulty keeping the motivation and focus they need to achieve their goals, whether it be in fitness, finances, or any other area of life. But it doesn’t have to be difficult to achieve those resolutions, especially with the help of martial arts.
Here are ways martial arts will help you achieve your New Year’s resolution:
Improved Health and Fitness
Like most, fitness is one area that we all strive to do better in, especially after the Holidays. The average person gains 10 pounds of weight during this time, so many set their New Year’s resolution to get back in shape.
Fitness is a crucial element of martial arts. The movements in taekwondo, karate, or jiu-jitsu challenge your muscles and cardiovascular system. Martial arts is a full-body workout and it improves your flexibility. When Taekwondo students hold certain positions for an extended period of time, it builds and tones muscles. In each class at the studio, a student can expect to burn 500 or more calories. That is the equivalent to running five miles! Lifting weights or running on the treadmill for an hour can get boring fast.
Instead of succumbing to busy gyms, why not participate in a martial arts class where you are constantly learning new skills and techniques? At the end of the karate class, you’ll be feeling invigorated and your endorphins will be flowing. Martial arts also helps lower blood pressure because of its high intensity and quick movements. Cardiovascular health is incredibly important and linked to heart health. Being involved in martial arts can help ramp up your heart rate and build the cardiovascular endurance you need to positively impact your health.
To get fit this new year choose a martial arts class to burn calories, increase muscle tone and definition, all the while learning new skills and challenging yourself.
Self-Discipline
One of the hardest parts of keeping a new year’s resolution is the discipline to stick to your plan. It’s why so many people never make it past January. Martial arts helps instill the mental focus and self-discipline you need in everyday life. The discipline taught in martial arts translates into all other areas of life, especially when setting fitness, financial, or career goals.
Taking a martial arts class every week instills self-discipline through interactive and teamwork games, drills, and activities.
Confidence
If a person wants to hit their new year’s resolution, they need to feel absolutely confident that it can be achieved. Generally, anyone who trains martial arts classes grows in their confidence and feels a strong sense of accomplishment. When a person trains martial arts, they master new techniques, skills, and overcome many obstacles.
Martial arts help a person develop a stronger belief in themselves and their capabilities so they can overcome their obstacles.
Self-confidence grows in martial arts students from:
- constant goal setting
- positive encouragement
- respect from others in the class
Deciding to enroll in a martial arts school will build confidence and encourage you to succeed in your new year’s resolutions.
Better Focus
Many reasons people struggle to achieve their new year’s resolutions because they lose focus on their goals.
Martial arts programs improve focus and concentration through:
- rhythmic breathing
- relaxation techniques
- repetitive movements
- adherence to rules and etiquette
Karate or taekwondo classes help build your attention span and improve listening and reaction skills. Participants in taekwondo or jiu-jitsu also have more focus because they are part of a comprehensive training program that clearly outlines goals, development, and what you need to do to get there.
You’re always working toward achieving your goal and keeping your focus on it.
Happiness
How can you even begin to work on achieving your new year’s resolutions if you’re stuck in a rut, unmotivated, or unhappy?
Many people who join a martial arts gym show improved happiness and sense of purpose in life. The camaraderie and community you build in the gym is a breath of fresh air. Martial arts is a great place to make new friends, build relationships, and find new purpose in life. The people you meet at the gym help encourage you to meet your goals, whether it be on the mats or in everyday life.
If you need a new positive influence in your life, we guarantee you’ll find it at a school or gym.
As the year comes to a close, we feel confident knowing that getting involved in martial arts will help you achieve your new year’s resolutions. With improved health and fitness, self-discipline, and confidence, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals in 2019. If you haven’t joined a martial arts school or jiu-jitsu gym, now is the time!
