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Taekwondo
Health Benefits
Taekwondo provides numerous health benefits such as weight loss,
improved cholesterol results, better flexibility and more.
Listed below are a number of Taekwondo health benefits that I
have experienced and/or have been identified by medical
authorities. However, results may vary. You should also see a doctor before
starting an intense exercise program (especially if you have been
relatively inactive for a while). In other words, don't give
yourself a heart attack while trying to get in shape!
Here are the health benefits that I have enjoyed since
starting Taekwondo in my forties
HDL (Good) Cholesterol - HDL particles help to remove
cholesterol from your arteries. Therefore, you want your HDL
(good)
cholesterol to be high and your LDL (bad) cholesterol to be low.
Before Taekwondo, my HDL
cholesterol
was borderline too low (40). After Taekwondo, my HDL
cholesterol has climbed to 60 (which is excellent for men). Of
course, this took a few years.
Blood Pressure - Over the years, my blood pressure has
also improved. Before Taekwondo, it was moderately
high (140/90) and has now fallen to back to a more healthy level (120/75). This is nice because
high blood pressure can be associated with an increased risk of
strokes, etc.
Weight Loss - I have lost ten pounds over the years. Now
if I can cut out beer, I can lose ten more pounds! You might
also like to visit our
Martial Arts
& Weight Loss page for information regarding things such as
the amount of calories burned during Taekwondo.
Muscle Tone - Taekwondo has helped my body become firmer
and any past middle aged "puffiness" has totally
disappeared. I look ten years younger than I really am. Well,
that is what my wife says... especially when she wants
something! :)
Flexibility - Okay, I can still not perform a perfect
split but I am dramatically more flexible than I was before
Taekwondo. If you want to touch your toes when you are 75 then
consider Taekwondo. Please visit our
Stretching
page for ways to improve your flexibility.
Stamina & Energy - Worn out from just doing regular
day activities? Taekwondo will boost your endurance and you will
have tons more energy throughout the day. I am now much less
cranky & tired after work because Taekwondo has boosted my
overall energy level.
Stress Relief - Do you have an evil boss or crappy job?
Taekwondo is a way to blow steam and avoid going postal. :)
Doctors state that exercise can also have the following benefits
LDL (Bad) Cholesterol - LDL cholesterol is "bad"
cholesterol and high LDL cholesterol is linked to a greater risk
of cardiovascular problems. I have always had low LDL cholesterol so I
can't claim this benefit. Nevertheless, doctors claim that
exercise can lower LDL cholesterol. For more information, please
read this
WebMd article.
Sleep - Since you get worn out in Taekwondo, you will
have a better night's sleep (longer, deeper and less interruptions).
For more information, please read this
WebMD article.
Obesity - If you are a dedicated Taekwondo student, you
are likely to lose weight and avoid obesity. This is a huge
positive because obesity has been tied to cardiovascular
problems, strokes, cancer, diabetes and many more diseases. For
more information, please read this
Mayo Clinic article and/or
WebMD article.
Diabetes - Weight loss will also help you to improve your
insulin sensitivity. This may help to
prevent or slow the onset of some types of diabetes. For more
information, please read this
WebMD article and/or
Mayo Clinic article.
Balance - Older people can have trouble with balance and
potentially falling over. Taekwondo can help you to improve your balance
and thus hopefully avoid future injuries as you age.
Bone Strength - As you age, your bones become more
brittle. This is a particular problem for many women and some
men. It is known as osteoporosis. Nevertheless, vigorous
exercise (such as Taekwondo) can help improve your bone density.
For more information, please read this
WebMD article and/or
Mayo Clinic article.
Immune System - According to medical authorities,
exercise can help boost your immune system and thus ward off
some diseases. For more information, please read this
MedlinePlus article
and/or
Cleveland Clinic article.
Depression - Taekwondo won't cure severe depression but it will
make you feel better about yourself. Intense exercise also
releases natural endorphins which can improve your mood and
reduce pain. For more information, please read this
Mayo Clinic article and/or
WebMD article.
However, there are some potential health "negatives"
Injuries - Over the years, I have had numerous aches,
pains and bruises due to Taekwondo. I have also "enjoyed" dislocated toes,
cracked ribs and torn calf muscles. So be careful and be
mentally prepared for potential injuries. Remember this is a
MARTIAL art and not croquet or knitting! :)
Intense Exercise - If you have been sedentary for a while
(i.e. a coach potato), Taekwondo can be
risky. The classes are intense and you do not want to give
yourself a heart attack and/or stroke. Please see a doctor
before starting any intense exercise program, especially if you
have been inactive for a while, are over 45 years old and/or
have an existing medical condition.
You might also be interested in these martial arts & health
books
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