Most people only view martial arts as a workout that helps you stay in shape and learn useful self-defense skills. While that may be true, this type of training offers so much more! Martial arts training provides many natural mental health benefits that are often overlooked.
Kickboxing can help improve your mood, fight off the winter blues, and even help alleviate symptoms of stress or anxiety. Karate can help kids develop healthy habits, improve focus, and boost their self-confidence. Krav maga helps people build strength, self-control, and release stress.
All of the different styles of MMA that Total Impact Martial Arts teaches offers our students a well-rounded, holistic approach to physical and mental fitness. At our dojo, we place an emphasis on the entire person – mastering body, mind, and spirit. Mental health is an important component of fitness, being mentally fit affects our abilities and performance in all areas of life.
Disclaimer: We do NOT claim to cure any mental health condition nor do we have the power to medically treat any mental health disorders! But it’s scientifically proven that exercise increases feel good chemicals (endorphins), helps release stress/tension, and thus improves our mood! Please do not use this in place of advice from your medical professional.
We’ve seen what the power of group fitness and staying active has done for our students of all ages, as well as for ourselves! Wouldn’t you love to feel your best and look your best from the inside out? Keep reading to learn why staying moving will help you feel your best ALL winter long…
Using Martial Arts to Fight off the Winter Blues
It’s that time of year again – the days are shorter, the weather is colder, and the winter blues are setting in. But did you know that the “winter blues” are more than just a phrase?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), often referred to as “seasonal depression” is a form of depression brought on by changes in seasons. It usually starts in the late fall and early winter and goes away during the spring and summer. It’s common for people’s moods and energy levels to change with the seasons or with the weather. For example, you might find that you feel more down or tired when it gets colder or warmer, or notice changes in your sleeping or eating patterns. You may feel sluggish, disinterested in daily activities, and overall very low and sad.
Symptoms may include:
- Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Experiencing changes in appetite or weight
- Having problems with sleep
- Feeling sluggish or agitated
- Having low energy
Does this sound like you or a loved one? It’s nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. Millions of American adults may suffer from SAD, although many may not know they have the condition. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, or high stress, these are all normal to experience. If you think this may be affecting yourself or a loved one, please discuss this with your doctor.
Martial arts training is proven to be an effective way to beat the winter blues or seasonal depression. The days are dark and cold, leaving us cooped up inside and sedentary for long periods of time. Joining a martial arts program is a great way to get yourself off the couch, out of the house, and move your body!
Not only will you be on your way to getting physically fit, but also mentally strong, helping you fight negative thoughts and getting out of unhealthy habits. And with so many different martial arts to choose from, there’s sure to be a class that’s perfect for you at Total Impact! We are proud to offer a variety of classes for every age group.
So if you’re looking for a way to beat the winter blues, why not try out martial arts, like kickboxing, karate, or krav maga? Here are some physical and mental health benefits that can’t be ignored…
There are many ways Martial Arts classes can help you beat the winter blues
Improves Your Mood and Increases Endorphins
According to science, regular exercise can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also increase self-esteem, improve sleep, and help you cope with difficult situations. So, if you’re feeling down, try getting moving! A little exercise can go a long way toward improving your mood.
When you’re feeling down, getting up and moving around can seem like the last thing you want to do. But trust us, it’s worth it. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. So even if you don’t feel like completing an intense martial arts workout that day, a simple walk around the block can help you feel better too. Make sure to find an activity that you enjoy that fits your lifestyle and is convenient for your schedule.
Martial Arts Can Help You Develop Healthy Habits
It’s no secret that developing healthy habits is good for our overall well-being and peace of mind. But did you know attending group fitness and practicing MMA can help you develop a healthy lifestyle?
That’s because martial arts helps students of all ages foster discipline, focus, accountability, and commitment – all essential qualities for developing healthy habits. So if you want healthy habits, consider taking up martial arts! Joining group fitness will help keep you accountable to your peers in accomplishing your goals.
Regular exercise typically opens the door to eating better, drinking more water, and getting more sleep. A perfect way to set yourself up for success in the New Year!
Keeping Your Mind Clear and Sharp
As your heart starts to pump faster during our HIGH energy, intense workouts, it also increases the oxygen supply to your brain. This improves executive function, which includes working memory, mental clarity, flexible thinking, and self-control.
Staying active also helps keep your energy levels up and your mind active. This can be a big help when dealing with a busy family schedule, tight deadlines at work, or a stressful personal situation. A 2021 study of 48 adults with mild cognitive impairment found that a moderate to vigorous exercise program increased cerebral blood flow and reduced the risk of further cognitive decline.
Stay moving and breathe clearly to keep your mind young!
Group Fitness is a Great Way to Meet New People
Group fitness classes are great if you’re looking for a fun and social way to get in shape. Not only will you get a great workout, but you’ll also have the chance to meet new people and make friends with similar interests.
We have something for everyone! At Total Impact Martial Arts, we offer Ninja Trix and Kids Karate for your little ones. Junior Kickboxing & MMA is perfect for teenagers. And for adult classes we offer Fitness Kickboxing, MMA, and Krav Maga. If you’re looking for something a little more niche, we offer specialty weapons training classes for students 7 and older. Our specialty classes teach board breaking, nunchaku, Bo staff, and Kumite training!
If you’re feeling intimidated by the thought of working out in a group, don’t worry. Our instructors are here to help you and make sure you’re comfortable. And you’ll quickly find that everyone at our dojo is supportive and friendly. Stay fit while having fun!
Other Benefits of Martial Arts
Other top benefits of martial arts include improved discipline, focus, and concentration. Martial arts training requires students to maintain concentration and patience in order to execute techniques correctly.
The focus, dedication, and discipline you’ll gain by committing to martial arts often carry over into other areas of your life, such as school or work and other goals. Because students must pay close attention to their instructors and execute techniques quickly and accurately, they often develop better concentration and focus skills. But wait, there are even MORE amazing benefits to practicing martial arts:
- Promotes positive thinking and a better outlook on life.
- Boost self-esteem and confidence and provide a sense of achievement and accomplishment.
- Better posture, helping people stand tall which helps with bully prevention.
- Improve your physical health, leading to better stamina, building muscle, and losing weight.
- Enhance your balance, coordination, and flexibility.
- A positive way to relieve boredom or frustration, also offering a healthy activity to release negative emotions.
Finding the right martial arts practice can feel empowering and validating, but what you get it out of it depends on how much effort you put in. It’s also important to remember that while martial arts can be a powerful tool for regulating and shifting your emotions, it’s not a substitute for mental health treatment. If you have distressing emotional experiences that affect your ability to function, consider talking to a licensed mental health professional.
If you’re looking to get back in shape in 2023 or searching for an after-school program for your kids, look no further! Try us out for the BEST adult fitness and Kids Karate classes in Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove. We promise to keep classes FUN and exciting – you won’t believe how quickly the time flies!
Hear from one of our Total Impact parents about their child’s awesome experience at our dojo:
“My son is 8 years old. We’ve been coming to Total Impact for about 2 months now and HE LOVES IT!!! Every day he asks me Momma, do I have Dojo today :). So much so I got a wall calendar so he could be responsible for his schedule. Total Impact, Brian the owner and the entire staff are amazing. Not only are they teaching my son Martial Arts but the mindset work of learning how to instill confidence, respect for others, focus. It’s amazing. I am so glad we found Total Impact and became a part of their family. And that’s exactly how they make you feel, like family. We can’t say enough about our incredible experience with Total Impact. Thank you!!!”
– Vanessa C.
Click here to read more 5-star reviews on Google!
Re-commit to yourself this season. Make 2023 the year you get back on track with your health and fitness goals!
Come workout with us to invest in your mind, body, and spirit in the New Year. Staying active is the secret to giving your mental health a boost this winter…
We invite kids, teens, and adults to try the BEST workout in Buffalo Grove and Arlington Heights.
Join group fitness classes at Total Impact Martial Arts:
Call (224) 248-8692 or send us an email today.
Total Impact Martial Arts offers karate, kickboxing, self-defense, and MMA programs to individuals of all ages throughout Chicagoland including Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Palatine, Wheeling, and surrounding areas.
Ready to Feel GREAT + Look Your BEST in 2023?
Join Total Impact to stay fit and feeling good!
