How is Martial Arts Training More Beneficial Than Gym Workouts?

People who study martial arts often have a variety of reasons for doing so. Some students turn to martial arts to build confidence, while others seek out training methods that will give them the skills needed to defend themselves in the event of an attack from an assailant. In addition to these and other reasons, many people decide to study martial arts because they’re displeased with the workout options that are available at most traditional gyms and training facilities. At NY Martial Arts Academy, we frequently see people signing up who feel like they’re wasting their time at the gym, and we can see why. A good workout should build more than muscle. It should also build knowledge, confidence, and discipline, which is why martial arts training is the perfect alternative to a gym workout. 

In addition to the mental benefits of martial arts training, people also enjoy being able to work multiple areas of the body at once. When you work out at a gym, you’re usually working on one area at a time. You might spend time on your triceps one day, your biceps the next day, and your legs on another day. With martial arts training, you can enjoy a rigorous workout that uses more areas of the body than any gym workout can. This is especially true of the grappling workouts in Jeet Kune Do and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

If you ask someone why they work out, they will usually say they do it to stay in shape. But if you dig deeper, you’ll find that relaxation and stress relief is also a big reason why they work out. It’s widely known that physical activity has mental benefits, and the mental benefits of practicing martial arts significantly outweigh those of traditional gym workouts. While you might feel like you can clear your head by lifting weights or running on a treadmill, practicing martial arts will enable you to experience far greater mental benefits because you’ll learn techniques that you can take with you after your workout is over. 

Another reason why practicing martial arts is more beneficial than working out in the gym is that you’ll actually learn something in the process. While gym workouts might teach you techniques for building muscle, martial arts classes will teach you techniques for building strength through the study of various philosophies and thought processes that can have a positive impact on every area of your life. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the ways in which you can benefit from practicing martial arts, contact NY Martial Arts Academy today!