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A study found martial arts to be a safe and effective way for baby
boomers, 40- and 50-somethings, to get back into shape. Experts
described martial arts as fun, good for self-defense and helpful
for long-term prevention against disease.
Martial arts have been described as the inexpensive alternative
to gym memberships or expensive home-exercise equipment.
In a study, the overall fitness of 18 individuals between 40 and
60 years were examined. The participants included nine people who
had been practicing soo bahk do, a Korean martial arts similar to
karate, for three years and nine other people who had adapted to
a "couch potato" lifestyle.
Results of the study showed that overall those committed to soo
bahk do had more flexibility, leg strength, less body fat, better
balance and better aerobic conditioning compared to the sedentary
group. While the sedentary group could only manage 37 sit-ups in
a row, the soo bahk do group averaged 66 sit-ups before exhaustion
set in.
Sports experts have expressed their beliefs in the martial arts
as an excellent form of fitness for the middle-aged population,
however caution beginners to take it slowly and intelligently. Experts
have also referred to martial arts as the "self defense"
against aging.
British
Journal of Sports Medicine April 2004;38(2):143-7
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