3 Reasons Martial Arts is a Great Hobby for Seniors
Many people find their way to martial arts as adults, which has its advantages. But a particular group of adults — the older, wiser set — can really shine. Folks in their golden years often have the time and interest for a new hobby, and they tend to find that martial arts is particularly beneficial. Here are three reasons martial arts is a great hobby for senior citizens.
The Community Aspect
Leaving the workforce has its perks, but it can also mean seeing regular faces far less frequently. One of the best parts of martial arts, especially at Freestyle Martial Arts here in Reno, is the community. A common interest brings people together, and the process of working toward a shared goal builds camaraderie, teamwork, and real friendship. You’ll see people from all walks of life in class. You’ll partner with them and train with them. You’ll build one another up, celebrate their successes, and encourage them when they’re down. And they’ll do the same for you. For so many people, the community is the best part of this entire endeavor.
The Mental Component
Use it or lose it, or so the saying goes. And in martial arts, you challenge the mind just as you do the body. Focus, discipline, and repetition are a big part of martial arts training, and that’s particularly beneficial to older adults. Cognitive decline can be a hallmark of growing older, which is why keeping the mind active and challenged is so important.
The Physical Side
Experts recommend regular fitness, and particularly resistance training, for older adults. It’s a way to combat the loss of bone density, flexibility, balance, and range of motion, all of which come with age. Plus, regular physical activity has cascading effects, improving sleep quality, self-confidence, coordination, even minimizing symptoms of low back pain and arthritis. The physical component of martial arts can be particularly approachable for seniors, because of the way it progresses. Everyone starts as a white belt, learning skills that serve as the foundation for things to come. You’ll practice skills again and again and again, working the body just as you work the mind.
Getting Started
If you’re interested in martial arts, you’ll undoubtedly have questions. And we’re happy to answer them! Contact us today to learn more about our program, our trainers, our community, our classes, our facility, and anything else you need to know. You’re also welcome to sit in on a class to get a feel for our approach to martial arts. We welcome people of all ages to our facility, but there’s something particularly gratifying about watching our older students rise to the challenge of martial arts. We hope you’ll be one of them!