One of the many things the 2020 pandemic disrupted was our ability to exercise–gyms shut down, we were stuck at home, people faced financial hardships, and people dealt with anxiety and depression that inhibited their ability to keep up a regular exercise routine.
Here at Little Black Belt, we believe fitness should be a priority and, with the right methods, exercise can empower other areas of life. Using martial arts, yoga, and other physical activities, you can introduce fun workouts into your and your family’s routine.
Guest writer Emma Grace Brown, who wrote a post in 2020 about creating a martial arts studio at home, returns with suggestions on making exercise a fun and regular part of your routine.
Yoga
If you or members of your family have been feeling stressed out, distracted, or just want to get in better shape, you might want to consider taking up the ancient practice of yoga.
- Yoga provides both physical and mental health benefits for people of all ages. It can also benefit those who are recovering from surgery or living with a chronic condition.
- Hatha forms of yoga are typically recommended for beginners and focus on balancing both body and mind.
- One of the most athletic forms of yoga is ‘vinyasa’, which coordinates breath and movement as you flow from one pose to another.
Martial Arts
Learning a martial art is an excellent way to get fit, as well as help you to achieve a greater sense of discipline.
- Taekwondo is a Korean form of martial arts with an emphasis on kicking. It features both modern and traditional styles and can be an excellent form of cardio for kids and adults alike.
- The Okinawan art of karate is a hugely popular fighting style that focuses on grappling, striking, and open-hand techniques to equip the learner with self-defense.
- Earning a blackbelt is about more than physical prowess; read about achieving a fighting mentality.
General Exercise
One of the keys to maintaining fitness consistency is to integrate exercises into your daily routine.
- If you’re stretched for time, try using micro workouts like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a walk during your lunch break.
- Alternatively, you could try browsing evening classes after work or on weekends.
- For more energy, better sleep, and improved contentment, it’s important to practice self-care in combination with exercise.
Exercise should be enjoyable – if you and your family are looking for a way to stay fit, try considering martial arts and yoga as a fun way to build confidence and strive for better physical health.
Read more about Emma and her work on her website: https://emmagracebrown.com/
Welcome to Little Black Belt, a martial arts blog about life, learning, and the journey towards a girl’s greatest accessory: a black belt in taekwondo. Learn more at: www.littleblackbelt.com