Do you want to get in shape and start 2016 off on the right foot? There are millions of people, all over the world, that make getting fit part of their New Year’s resolutions. It’s a great idea and can provide many health benefits. Starting a regular workout routine is one of the best things you can do for your body. You’ll find that you’ll be getting stronger, have better balance and coordination, will not get as sick, plus you’ll even look better in the end.
Exercising is also a great way to relieve all the stress you’ve been carrying around, plus it also acts as a mood booster. We’ve written a short series on the basic principles of fitness, and some ways to get better at these key elements. That way, when you are ready to start martial arts, you’ll be armed with the knowledge you’ll need to advance through the belts. Are you searching for holiday karate classes in Raleigh NC? Why not try something different, like muay thai, MMA, or Brazilian jiu jitsu? At Gracie Raleigh, we offer the best mixed martial arts training in the Triangle. Call us for more details.
Basics Principles of Fitness
Aerobic Endurance
Having good stamina, or aerobic endurance, is the cornerstone of basic fitness. Commonly known as cardio exercises, these types of workouts will increase your lung capacity by making you breathe faster and deeper. This produces more oxygen rich blood for your body, allowing it to perform at peak levels for longer periods of time. Aerobic endurance is also great for maintaining a healthy heart.
Cardio exercises can include anything that makes you sweat and breathe hard. It can be from playing fast moving sports, like basketball or soccer, or going out for a brisk walk if you’re just starting out. Able bodied adults should start out by walking and jogging at first before moving on to running marathons.
Muscle Strength
Strength training is also a key element to basic fitness. You should always incorporate some sort of exercise into your workout routines that will make you stronger. Building muscle strength increases muscles mass, as well as bone strength. You do not have to have a gym membership, or buy expensive workout equipment, for strength training either as there are many exercises you can do at home.
We suggest that you start with exercises like push-ups, crunches and body squats because all of these use your own body weight. If you have access to dumbbells or a fitness ball these can help you take your home workouts to the next level. You can also find railings or tree limbs to do chin ups. Another option is to visit almost any large retailer and pick up an inexpensive pair of resistance bands.
Don’t miss the second part of this post where we list even more fitness basics for you. These will include stretching and flexibility, core strength training, balance, and more.
Karate Classes in Raleigh Are Good, But Gracie Martial Arts is Better!
If you’re interested in learning self defense you should call Gracie Raleigh today. Even though we do not offer traditional karate lessons in Raleigh for self defense, we are the best BJJ and muay thai gym in the Triangle! Training at our gym will help you build up your confidence by learning the right techniques that will work in real self defense situations. You’ll appreciate being able to defend yourself, and your loved ones, from attackers without the use of a firearm.
Gracie Raleigh even offers free classes for beginners. This allows you to try out our gym without worrying about a signing a contract up front. For more information, please call us today!