Do Martial Arts Classes Provide a Full-Body Workout?

It’s common for parents to enroll their kids in a martial arts class because they want their children to be physically active. Adults take martial arts classes for the same reason. In fact, if you want a full body workout, martial arts training is one of the best ways to get it.

To be fit and healthy, every major muscle group must get worked regularly. The body’s largest muscles and the smaller ones in the upper body coordinate during a martial arts class, providing a workout that combines cardiovascular fitness with strength training.

Why Is It Important to Get a Full Body Workout?

There are many types of martial arts, and each provides an excellent workout. You may choose to enroll in Krav Maga, Tae Kwan Do, or Judo, but regardless of which martial art you choose, you should understand why working all the major muscle groups is essential.

A martial arts workout is a full body workout. Working your entire body is a must for these reasons.

  • You’ll burn calories. A workout that uses most of your muscles is a calorie-burning workout that can help you lose weight if that’s something you want to do. Large muscles require the most energy and remember, a calorie is a unit of energy.
  • You’ll build more muscle. Muscles need to be worked to get toned. Using multiple muscles in the same workout can help you get the sleek, toned arms and legs you’ve always wanted. 
  • You’ll get stronger. A total body workout builds strength quickly, particularly if you do bodyweight exercises like the ones in martial arts classes. 
  • You’ll become more flexible. A full body workout keeps your joints lubricated and supported as you tone your muscles. Lubricated joints are more flexible, and less prone to injury, than joints that don’t get worked out regularly.

A workout that requires the use of several muscle groups at the same time is good for your body. Even something as simple as a session with a jump rope can help, but we know that martial arts training is one of the best total body workouts around.

Which Muscle Groups Are Used in Martial Arts?

To understand how martial arts training, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Karate, provide a total body workout, let’s explore the various muscle groups that engage during a typical martial arts class as students develop and improve new skills.

Back Muscles

The back muscles, including the shoulders, do a lot of work in martial arts. Any type of manual strike engages these muscles, helping to build control and strength. For example, a strike that breaks a board engages the muscles of the arm, but it also engages the shoulder, chest, and neck muscles.

Abdominal Muscles

The abdominal muscles are engaged at every moment a student is participating in a martial arts workout. We call them the core muscles for a reason. They are also in use if a student strikes and kicks using a heavy bag or spars with a partner.

Upper Body Muscles

The muscles of the upper body, including the arms, chest, and shoulders, all get engaged during a typical martial arts workout. Whether you’re studying Muay Thai or Mixed Martial Arts, you’ll be building upper body strength.

Leg Muscles

The leg muscles work hard in every martial art. Any time a student spars or practices kicks, the legs are getting a workout. If you balance on your right leg and kick with your left leg, both legs are working and getting toned.

As you can see, martial arts classes work every muscle group in the body, improving strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular fitness. If you’re looking for a full body workout that’s fun and challenging, sign up for a martial arts class today!

SHARE THIS POST

About our programs

Early SKILLZ
Preschool - Kindergarten

3–4 year-olds are naturally curious. They might not be ready for the rigid structure of a traditional martial arts class ... but they do need to start learning about appropriate social behavior!

- DISCOVER -

Basic SKILLZ
1st Grade - 3rd Grade

It's often easy for teachers and parents to overestimate 5-6 year old children. They're better at following directions and paying attention than younger children, but they still need some help controlling themselves and focusing on tasks.
- DISCOVER -

Core SKILLZ
3rd Grade - 5th Grade

Children are like sponges. They absorb things quickly and easily - far more easily than we do as adults. Not only are they getting healthier as they learn martial arts, but they're also learning the value of self-discipline and respect.
- DISCOVER -

Junior Karate SKILLZ
Middle School Program

Karate may normally make you think of self-defense, fitness, and discipline ... the truth is, it's all of that and WAY more!
Our program helps our students build skills that they can APPLY to every area of their life and empower them to be the very best they can possibly be!



- DISCOVER -

Teens Karate
High School Program

Instead of giving into the moodiness and attitude, take them to our dojo instead! Teenagers are smart and capable - but they can also be their own worst enemies. Between peer pressure, their innate urge to rebel against their parents, and their surging hormones, they can be impossible to be around. But all they need is an outlet for their frustrations - and an opportunity to be their best.- DISCOVER -

Adult Karate
Ages 17+

Martial arts training is fun, empowering, and provides a great workout for adults. Studying martial arts is something that anybody - at any age or fitness level - can do. Our programs make learning fun, empowering, and provides a great workout for busy parents!



- DISCOVER -