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I'm finally feeling (and seeing) the fat around my waist and feeling considerably older than my 4,000...er...40+ years. I've had a gym membership for decades but finally let it lapse. Now I'm debating if I want to get a new (different gym) or enroll in a martial arts studio.
Opinions?
Dojo.
Actually, what you need to figure out is what it will take for you to continue. My suggestion is to find someone who wants the same thing and work together to keep each other accountable.
If I had a partner, I'd do racketball. Right now I'm learning karate (at 41) with my son.
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My son (who is nine) is currently in taekwondo. The dojo he trains at also has Krav Maga and Defense Tactics System courses for adults. I've been tempted to sign up for them, both for the exercise and the practical knowledge. Alas, right now, we can barely afford to pay for my son's lessons, let alone lessons for myself.
Right now, my exercise routine consists of going up and down the stairs in my townhome and walking about 2 miles in the evenings (occasionally) with the wife.
Anyway, if I were you, and had the funds available, I'd go with the dojo.
Dojo.
Everyone needs a martial art, a musical instrument, and a secret talent they keep to themselves.
I'll say Dojo, but I would make sure you are doing some other exercise in addition to that. Doesn't have to be anything fancy, just jogging. Also do some calisthenics on the off days.
Basically, whatever you decide to do, stick with it. Don't expect results immediately, be patient. And don't overdo it. You're not 20 anymore.
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Find something you enjoy doing. For me it was cycling, if you enjoy martial arts then maybe that's the way to go. If you don't enjoy doing it then you aren't likely to stick with it.
Also, take a good long look at what you eat and try to eliminate as many easy carbs as you can. For me it was getting the crackers/ chips/ ice cream out of the house because I cannot resist them.
I'm finally feeling (and seeing) the fat around my waist and feeling considerably older than my 4,000...er...40+ years. I've had a gym membership for decades but finally let it lapse. Now I'm debating if I want to get a new (different gym) or enroll in a martial arts studio.
Opinions?
If you want to do martial arts, make sure you strengthen your knees and back, after 40 years of age it gets much easier to do yourself long term harm.
This means not just the situps you get in a dojo, but also lots of light repetitive back exercise to prepare yourself for forceful torso rotation. There is nothing better for whole body strength than a strong stomach and back, BTW.
Improving knee strength will help you survive the kicking. Watch out when you throw front snap kicks free (into the air)--mind the tension in the knee. Don't ever let it flop. It can really mess you up.
(Just so you know where this is coming from: 26 years in Wado Kai karate, 5 years in kung fu, now 40 years old myself)
Choose martial arts clubs carefully. There are a lot of idiots out there.
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Choose martial arts clubs carefully. There are a lot of idiots out there.
Absolutely this. I did shopping before I picked my Aikido dojo, and I can still see the difference between the group I train(ed) with, and other martial arts I go see on the side.
Do not be afraid to "shop around" for your Dojo and your martial art. Find someplace you feel comfortable with as an environment to learn the martial art with, the instructor who will teach you, and with your fellow classmates. I cannot stress this enough. Most martial arts studios will allow a free "trial" session, so make sure you try out a few before picking the one you want to go with. And it's just as important to pick a martial art that fits you. Much like picking a personal training regimen, you want to pick something that fits your lifestyle and long-term goals.
I'm basing my vote solely on the sound of the word:
Extra credit: I've never met anyone named dojo.
Oh if thats how we are doing it, I will go with DOJO as well. Although we have a lady here who teaches Tai Chi in the park for free Sunday Mornings. It is sort of a dojo I guess. We also have people fencing at I believe every major park on the weekends too.
Director of Narrative
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Oh if that's how we are doing it, I will go with DOJO as well. Although we have a lady here who teaches Tai Chi in the park for free Sunday Mornings. It is sort of a dojo I guess. We also have people fencing at I believe every major park on the weekends too.
I also like Tai Chi because it goes well with Chai Tea.
I'm finally feeling (and seeing) the fat around my waist and feeling considerably older than my 4,000...er...40+ years. I've had a gym membership for decades but finally let it lapse. Now I'm debating if I want to get a new (different gym) or enroll in a martial arts studio.
Opinions?
If you want to do martial arts, make sure you strengthen your knees and back, after 40 years of age it gets much easier to do yourself long term harm.
This means not just the situps you get in a dojo, but also lots of light repetitive back exercise to prepare yourself for forceful torso rotation. There is nothing better for whole body strength than a strong stomach and back, BTW.
Improving knee strength will help you survive the kicking. Watch out when you throw front snap kicks free (into the air)--mind the tension in the knee. Don't ever let it flop. It can really mess you up.
(Just so you know where this is coming from: 26 years in Wado Kai karate, 5 years in kung fu, now 40 years old myself)
Choose martial arts clubs carefully. There are a lot of idiots out there.
Truer words have never been spoken.
Man, I have got to get back into shape.