With greater age comes wisdom and a sense of responsibility and a majority of men and women witness more stability in terms of finances and decision-making. However, despite having more money at your disposal in your productive years, you may begin to notice changes in body or health that you would like to manage better or change.
Loss of lean tissue and cells start happening at this age. Since the body is not as active as it used to be, the amount of fat steadily goes up while the bones become less dense. These changes become more pronounced with age. However, our daily activities and lifestyle choices can either accelerate or slow down these adverse effects of aging.
Exercise to Better Health
Exercising is an important aspect of healthy living and prolonging quality of life in our later years. Considering that both men and women are prone to developing illnesses and lifestyle diseases from the ages of 40 to 60, embracing a healthy lifestyle through exercising is imperative.
Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular problems are some of the health issues that may develop as we age.
How can you minimize such complications?
Adopt Jiu-Jitsu and Other Forms of Martial Arts
Jiu-Jitsu is a friendly combat sport where a person strives to gain control of their opponent through grappling, among other techniques, and forcing them into submission. The main concept behind the sport is to prove that ‘weaker’ individuals can gain control of stronger people by employing tactics that force them to submit.
Jiu-Jitsu is a safe sport for people of all ages. It is never too late to learn the sport. The martial arts world has a plethora of published material for people looking to learn Jiu-Jitsu on their own, particularly in Allen, TX. Additionally, various martial art schools are offering Jiu-Jitsu classes. By enrolling in one, you position yourself to reap the benefits of this rising sport.
Benefits of Jiu-Jitsu for Adults
As much as it is advisable to adopt sports at an early age, due to some unavoidable circumstances, it may not be an option for some. However, as I stated earlier, it is never too late to learn Jiu-Jitsu.
Jiu-Jitsu has a myriad of health benefits to an adult.
Let us delve into specifics.
- Increases Physical Strength
The aging process causes a decrease in physical strength. Research shows that men and women lose approximately 30% – 50% of muscle mass from the age of 30. These percentages increase as people grow into their 40s, 50s, and 60s.
Jiu-Jitsu is a sure way of increasing muscle strength. Since it is a physically demanding sport, people tend to gain significant strength through grappling and other techniques incorporated in the sport. As a beginner, it may be a bit challenging. However, as you progress, you will notice your muscles responding as a result of the movements required in the different Jiu-Jitsu body positions.
- Helps in Self-defense
It is no secret; the elderly are more susceptible to physical attacks. Unfortunately, they are a target demographic for thieves, tricksters, and sexual abusers due to their decrease in physical strength.
Jiu-Jitsu is based upon employing various combat techniques and forcing an opponent into submission. Fortunately, the tactics learned are structured not only for competition but are also applicable in the real world. Thus, they can be used for self-defense purposes.
- It is an effective stress reliever
Social, family, and work-related pressures are common stress triggers. Long working hours and bad relationships are some of the things people ages 30, 40, and 50 go through. Not forgetting the ‘need’ to purchase material stuff such as cars to be socially accepted.
Jiu-Jitsu is an excellent way to de-stress. Through controlled breathing and exercising, Jiu-Jitsu triggers the release of endorphins, a chemical that helps in combating stress. To leverage these advantages, you need to be consistent in participating in the sport. You may notice after a few sessions of mastering basic moves that you have a clearer frame of mind.
- Improved self-esteem
Surprisingly, many people grow into adulthood with a diminished self-confidence and much anxiety. It really can happen at any age.
Jiu-Jitsu is an ideal confidence booster. As you progress through the various levels and achieve milestones, you gain respect from the martial arts community. This alone has been known to improve self-esteem, hence improving the quality of life.
- You become a role model
Our children learn not from what we say but what we do. A majority of children who adopt various habits into adulthood adopt it at an early age; mostly from their surroundings. So, if you want your children to adopt safe exercising habits, Jiu-Jitsu is a great form of martial art to start with. You become a role model, teaching your children the importance of incorporating sports as part of their lifestyle.
As your children see you striving for self-improvement, they too are likely to emulate your actions and end up being better in the sport. Apart from your children adopting Jiu-Jitsu, they will also turn to you for advice concerning every aspect of their personal lives. You are then able to give them advice based on your knowledge, struggles, and experience, probing them to be better individuals.
- For mental clarity
A lot of times, adults are in an un-ending battle with self-doubt, among other things. A foggy brain may leave you feeling unfocused and unable to complete a thought. In this case, Jiu-Jitsu is a great way to find mental clarity.
Through learning the different techniques and knowing where to apply them, your mind gains an analytical way of thinking, improving your focus. During practice, you may also be required to make rapid decisions. As such, Jiu-Jitsu allows you to be more focused, especially when you are past your 30s and have goals to achieve and priorities to make. That way, you can push through doubt, make life-changing decisions thoughtfully, and get things done while feeling content with yourself.