Heart health is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Staying active is of utmost importance in ensuring your health. Enjoyable exercise routines can help keep you motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle.\u00a0Martial arts is increasingly becoming a popular choice as a consistent fitness routine. It\u2019s a discipline that contributes to overall health and wellness. More importantly, it can help to prevent heart disease.<\/p>\n
Improve Cardiovascular Health<\/strong><\/p>\n Dr. Patrick Hickle, Medical Director of the Elliot ECHO Lab, suggests moderate exercise 4-5 times per week for 20-30 minutes to maximize heart health. Martial arts is a physical activity that improves stamina and endurance\u00a0as well as mental wellbeing<\/a>. In addition to\u00a0enhancing the health of the entire body<\/a>, this activity directly affects the amount of blood that pumps through your heart with every beat. Strengthening the heart is\u00a0vital to cardiovascular health.<\/p>\n As martial arts training<\/a> raises your heart rate, it works your heart to more efficiently pump blood throughout your body – even when you aren\u2019t working out. The less effort your heart uses to pump blood, the lower your blood pressure, reducing your risk for hypertension.<\/p>\n Maintain a Healthy Weight<\/strong><\/p>\n Obesity is one of the\u00a0biggest risk factors for heart disease<\/a>. The intense activity involved in martial arts training helps to burn fat and tone muscle. A single session can burn up to 500 calories. Regular participation in martial arts results in higher muscle mass which in turn helps to burn more calories.<\/p>\n Burning calories is essential to get rid of LDL cholesterol, also known as \u201cthe bad cholesterol.\u201d High levels of LDL cholesterol increases your\u00a0risk for heart disease and stroke<\/a>, according to the Center for Disease Control. There is evidence that working out regularly can help to reduce the size of proteins that carry the cholesterol to the heart. Vigorous exercise most associated with weight loss also helps to increase HDL cholesterol – \u201cthe good cholesterol.\u201d<\/p>\n Reduce Stress<\/strong><\/p>\n Not only a perfect option for physical activity, but martial arts is also a discipline that involves mindfulness, peace, and meditation. A team of\u00a0researchers from John Hopkins University<\/a>\u00a0found a link\u00a0between mindful meditation<\/a> and a reduction in stress and anxiety. Stress has been shown to contribute to chronic heart diseases, so incorporating martial arts as a regular practice is a great option.<\/p>\n Accessible For All<\/strong><\/p>\n Not all individuals are fortunate enough to experience full ranges of motion. However, martial arts courses are accessible to everyone. People with limited mobility can benefit greatly from this discipline while also increasing self-confidence in their ability to defend and protect themselves. It\u2019s an excellent option for people of an older demographic who want to strengthen and remain active, or those with mobile disabilities looking for a consistent routine and an encouraging community.<\/p>\n Martial arts can help to fight heart health in so many ways. From improving cardiovascular health directly to encouraging weight loss<\/a> and reducing stress levels, it\u2019s the perfect option. People of all ages and abilities can start a practice and witness results that last a lifetime.<\/p>\n Heart health is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Staying active is of utmost importance in ensuring your health. Enjoyable exercise routines can help keep you motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle.\u00a0Martial arts is increasingly becoming a popular choice as a consistent fitness routine. It\u2019s a<\/p>\n