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Your Inner Warrior: How to Keep Fit At Home


Let’s say you’re already a fit person. You do great workouts. You have motivation. You want to get better. However, the workouts you do aren’t fun anymore. Sometimes, you need something else more entertaining while learning something new.

Have you tried martial arts to stay fit? Sounds crazy, right? You’re not going to be a bouncer tomorrow, so why do this? It’ll tire you out! These routines are some of the best workouts I’ve done. Also, it’ll benefit you in the long-run by learning something you didn’t know before!

Look at doing this from a workout perspective. You can to learn how to channel your strength and balance into coordinated movements to specific targets. Martial arts is all about discipline. There’s a great amount of strength and endurance involved in martial arts as well.

I’m going to look at a few things: Brazilian Jiu Jitzu, boxing and kick boxing, karate, and Krav Maga.

If you want another way on how to keep fit at home, then this is it!

Brazilian Jiu Jitzu (BJJ)

Get ready to roll with this one! You’re learning how to redirect attacks and submit opponents with Brazilian Jiu Jitzu. It really is as cool as it sounds for sure! I used to do this with a friend of mine in his basement in college. He and I would “roll” for an hour or so a few times a week.

The thing I like about BJJ is that you can learn something and then apply it when you’re rolling. Rolling is freestyle sparring where you’re trying to submit your partner. Here’s what it looks like.

I would do this in the Army too. We would go for two minute rounds, and I would be smoked at the end! It’s really tough to maintain enough stamina for two minutes when you’re not used to it.

Trying to submit your opponent takes a lot of stamina! If you’re like the pros, then they can do it effortlessly. When I went up against someone I knew was better than me, I would still try my best.

The hard downside to this is that you really need a partner. Learning the moves and rolling isn’t as effective alone compared with having a partner.

Boxing and Kick Boxing

Here’s where you bust out that Rocky music! Boxing is an amazing workout on your own or with a partner. You’re going for short bursts of energy followed by short rounds of rest.

I’ll be honest and say I’ve never boxed before. However, looking at what people go through with boxing is incredible! It’s not too far off to say that you can also smoke yourself from a boxing workout.

One downside with boxing is that it does require some equipment. You may need a bag and gloves if you’re willing to put down some money. The benefits may be worth it though!

I did a quick search and found several boxing workouts. Give one a try, and see how it goes!

Now, on to kickboxing. The only difference here is that you can use kicks as well as punches. This will also get you a really good workout if you’re doing it with a partner.

I’ve heard TONS of people getting into kickboxing as a way to get into or stay in great shape. Again, I haven’t ever done it before, but I have a few friends that swear by kickboxing.

Karate

Isn’t this for little kids? I don’t think so! I did karate as an adult and found some white belt moves difficult to master. On top of that, I felt like I was getting a workout done during each class. There are tons of videos, DVDs, or instruction manuals that you can use as well.

Karate material is easily-accessible. You can go to a karate dojo or get a home-use DVD in order to learn. I feel like this is one of the easiest to do without a partner because you can learn the routines on your own. However, when it comes to learning moves, then having a partner is required.

Another great thing about learning karate at home is that you can do it without equipment. Most of the moves won’t require anything except for learning to follow through on your targets. Having a punching bag will help, but it’s not absolutely required.

Krav Maga

The Israeli Defense Force uses Krav Maga, and you can learn it too! It focuses on getting the most out of each simple movement. What does that mean? Lots of punches and kicks that’ll tire you out!

I went to a Krav Maga gym for a while and I learned a lot about how simple body mechanics can make you effective. We would do tons of punches and kicks that wore me out every session. It’s this type of training that’ll take you to another level with your fitness.

Doing Krav maga also taught me that you need stamina and strength to last in a combative situation. That’s why learning something like this can be beneficial for your fitness as well!

There are several videos and DVDs that’ll teach you Krav Maga. See what will work for you.

Your Inner Warrior

Here it is! If you’re looking for something else to do with your workouts, then this is something where you can workout and learn a skill at the same time. It’s not every day that you encounter something like this!

One problem you might encounter is finding a good program. I give a recommendation linked in each of the sections for videos that are highly rated, so you can at least have one option to consider.

Also, it may be difficult to keep up a routine after starting. I’m in that boat for sure! Just remember, keep your end goal in mind!

I know when I went through some of these programs, I learned a great deal about myself and I felt great in the process. Having a purpose to working out gave me meaning for why I want to stay fit. Doing martial arts gave me that sense of purpose, and I hope that it’ll do the same for you too!

If you have an experience with learning a martial art at home to stay fit, leave a comment below! What were some of the things you encountered? Was it easy or difficult to maintain a routine? Alright, Garage Gym Goers, I’ll see you next time!


Bobby

12 Comments

  1. Hello,
    Thank you for sharing this post!

    I use to take Karate as a young child and enjoyed it very much. I quit going though, I was so busy with my favourite sport, Hockey, that I did not have the time for both.
    I have never thought about starting up again from home, I will have to look into this!

    • Brianne,
      Makes total sense to have to choose between two things. There are tons of DVDs and videos about it now:) Trying from home is a good way to go. Thanks for your comment!

  2. Hi Bobby.
    I did Tae Kwon Do for 10 years when I was younger. It was a great way to stay fit and also the classes at the university gym were a great place to make new friends. After leaving uni, I continued to practice at home in my garage with a kick bag. The repetitious kicking and punching was a great way to develop strength, power, and coordination and really toned my body up. I would recommend working out on a bag to anyone who wants to become stronger, fitter and generally more confident.
    Cheers mate.

    • Andrew,
      Thanks for sharing your experience with Tae Kwon Do at home! It absolutely is a great way to stay in shape right from your own garage. And you get to learn something new in the process. Thanks for your comment!

  3. I really needed this. Thank you! I have a gym membership, but once I get into the groove of life I will want a home gym, and I also want to learn martial arts!

    • Alex,
      That’s great you want to learn martial arts! I, too, have that same goal. Thanks for your comment!

  4. I did martial arts for years before l had my children and l’ve never heard of Krav Maga. Nice start to your site. I am no-where near done.

    • Angela,
      I’m glad you enjoy doing martial arts! It really is a good way to stay fit at home. Thanks for your comment!

  5. Wow what a great post! These are all awesome ideas for anyone looking to keep fit at home. My husband would absolutely love the BJJ workout, he has always wanted to try Jiu Jitzu, not sure I’ll be his practice partner though lol.

    I myself I have always wanted to get into kickboxing because I know how fit those people who do it are. they always look toned and shredded and I hear it’s also a great way to reduce stress, and let’s face it, being a new mom, I could use a stress reliever!

    Thank you so much for all these wonderful ideas that really think outside the box, great job, I look forward to your upcoming posts:)

    • Madysen,
      I’m glad you found the article useful! There’s a lot of kickboxing and BJJ videos out there that you can use for workouts, so it makes sense to do it at home:) Where else is better, right? For sure it is a stress reliever. And you’re right. Even new moms need that good stress relief! I’ll be sure to post some more stuff! Thanks for your comment!

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