Martial Arts Improves Fitness Levels in Baby Boomers
A 2004 study of middle agers showed that participants in a martial arts program showed an overall higher level of fitness than those who were sedentary. The study conducted by the New York Institute of Technology measured the effects of a martial arts program on eighteen volunteers aged 40-60. The group made up of 14 men and 4 women had an average age of 47 years. Nine of the participants were actively engaged in a martial arts program while the other nine remained sedentary.
After a one day battery of tests the study found that body composition (body fat %) was 18.9% for the martial arts group and 30.8% for the sedentary group. The martial arts group was able to balance for 61.8 seconds compared to 26.2 seconds for the sedentary. The average number of push ups performed was 47 vs 19, and the number of sit ups was 66 vs 37. The participants also had flexibility and leg strength measured and you guessed it, the martial arts group showed higher levels of flexibility and quadriceps strength. Perhaps the biggest difference showed that the martial arts group had a 25% higher level of aerobic capacity.
The study concluded that there were significant differences in between the two groups on all of the physical fitness tests. The martial arts group showed better strength, flexibility, balance and aerobic capacity. The martial arts group also had a significantly lower body fat %. However, the study did not point out how long the participants were engaged in their martial arts program or whether diet was a consideration.
Martial arts is an excellent form of physical exercise for adults and can be a great alternative to a gym membership or expensive home equipment. The combination of physical and mental exercise creates a perfect method of training for the baby boomer set. Studies have shown that martial arts is not only a way to improve overall fitness levels, but it can be an effective way of maintaining cognitive function and memory as well.
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