Effective Martial Arts Conditioning - The Role Of Martial Arts Equipment In Modern Day Exercise

Most martial artists use martial arts equipment like punch bags to practice punches, elbow strikes and kicks. However, this gear can also be used for other modern day exercises, whether you're a martial artist who wants to improve conditioning or an exercise enthusiast with no martial arts training.

Effectively utilizing martial arts equipment can boost your fitness levels and advance your performance in other sports. Exercising with martial arts gear will improve your cardiac functioning, build strength and muscle tone, and develop your speed, accuracy and balance.

If you're hoping to enhance your current exercise routine, consider adding martial arts training gear to your workout program.

Skipping Ropes: A favorite conditioning tool of boxers, skipping rope is a great cardiovascular exercise that will build your speed and endurance. Wear good cross-training shoes and choose a shock absorbent surface, such as a hardwood floor or a gym mat. Since the exercise can be strenuous, you may want to begin by skipping rope for 2-3 minutes and then resting for 60 seconds. Repeat this process until you develop the skill and conditioning to lengthen the amount of time you spend skipping rope.

Gym Balls: Initially designed as a rehabilitation tool for physical therapists, gym balls strengthen core muscles and improve balance. Try resting your lower back on a gym ball and performing stomach crunches to exercise your abdominal muscles. To develop better balance, use this piece of martial arts training equipment as a weight lifting bench. You can do bicep curls and shoulder presses when you sit on the gym ball. While lying on the ball, you can perform chest presses, chest flyes and tricep extensions.

Training Bands: If you want to build muscle and strength, training bands--thick, rubber bands--are as effective as traditional hand weights because the band creates resistance. By arranging training bands in different positions, you can target your arms, shoulders, chest, back and legs. Try standing on one end of the band and holding the other to perform bicep curls. Similarly, standing in the middle of the band and holding one end in each hand will give you resistance when you perform squats.

Head Size Punch Bag: Precision and speed are essential for a variety of sports, including martial arts, racquetball, volleyball, basketball and tennis. The head size punch bag is one of the best pieces of martial arts equipment for developing your reflexes and improving accuracy. It hangs by an adjustable strap and utilizes a stretchy cord for tension, so the bag sways as you punch it. Punching a head size punch bag for just a few minutes a day will develop your hand-eye coordination since you'll be repeatedly trying to strike a small, moving target.

Freestanding Punch Bag: For a complete workout with one piece of martial arts training gear, the freestanding punch bag allows you to perform both aerobic and strength exercises. Quickly punching and kicking the bag will boost your heart rate and develop your cardiac fitness. Striking the freestanding punch bag will also build your muscles. Try alternating between quick, short jabs and harder punches and kicks that require more strength.

Martial arts training equipment is ideal for developing aerobic capacity and enhancing the strength of all athletes. If you're looking for a fresh, new way to exercise, add some martial arts gear to your workout plan to recharge your regular fitness routine.

http://www.Pad-up.com October 2007

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