Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Are Martial Arts Useful In Combating Childhood Obesity?

Many people are now asking if a martial arts program could
be useful in combating childhood obesity. With the rise in
obesity of children between the ages of 6-19 years, parents
and health organizations are searching for effective
solutions. It has been suggested that various martial arts
programs may be very effective in combating what has become
an epidemic.

Although not much concrete evidence has been provided due
to lack of proper research and clinical trials, some
preliminary evidence does suggest martial arts are
beneficial. It isn't certain whether a mixed martial arts
program or specific martial arts for example Kung Fu,
Karate, Taekwondo, might work best. However it is fairly
self evident that the longer a person participates in
martial arts activities, the more benefits would be
obtained.

Poverty, race, family history, physical activity, and
nutrition are all complex influential factors on the
potential rates of obesity. Some research suggests that
children living in unsafe surroundings, poor housing, and
in areas that do not provide sidewalks, parks and
recreation centers are at a twenty to sixty percent higher
risk of becoming overweight or obese.

Children, whose sedentary lifestyles involve eating mostly
fast foods, watching television and playing video games are
at high risk as well. This becomes an even higher risk when
combined with attending schools that neglect physical
education, extracurricular group activities, and the like.
Obesity increases the potential for both, physical and
emotional health problems. Preliminary research has
demonstrated that even people with physical and mental
disabilities felt that martial arts training greatly
improved the quality of their lives and their overall
health. The research also indicates an improvement in
self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth being achieved
through martial arts training.

This major improvement could be due to the physical and
mental exercise that various martial arts provide. Karate,
Tai Chi and Ju Jitsu all can be helpful for
self-discipline, confidence and stress management. They
also require a wide variety of physical activities, which
can increase blood circulation and improve breathing and
joint flexibility. Most of the martial arts activities can
be adapted to suit a person's physical and mental
limitations, while still providing physical and mental
health therapy.

Martial arts, such as Karate and Ju Jitsu, can be as
beneficial for physical health as any other
vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise. Participating in other
martial arts such as Kung Fu, and Tai Chi, can be
substituted for numerous other exercises, as they use many
calories in their performance.

All these forms of training can provide adequate exercise
for muscle and bone strengthening, as well as provide
resistance exercise. Studying martial arts can teach the
child to use self-defense instead of aggressive methods to
resolve problems. The lessons can also teach a child
self-reliance while instilling a sense of good
sportsmanship and teamwork.
----------------------------------------------------
Richmond Traditional Martial Arts provides Richmond VA
Martial Arts training that will not only strengthen the
body but also enhance mental stamina and confidence. If
you're in Hanover or Richmond VA and are interested in
karate or ju jitsu give us a call -
http://www.rtmamartialarts.com/

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