Whether you want to be able to jump in the air with an impressive kick or you're just a fan of "The Karate Kid," karate can be a rigorous and impactful workout. However, not everybody has access to a karate class. For people in that situation, there are dozens of other exercise options that provide a similar combination of flexibility, strength training, coordination and mental development through practicing complex techniques.
Other Martial Arts
If you can't find a karate class, you can get a nearly identical workout from other forms of martial arts. Traditional martial arts, such as kung fu, la savate and tae kwon do, are the best choices in terms of similar exercises to what you'll find in karate classes. Modern and "reality-based" martial arts often focus on simple moves that require little physical conditioning. Although good from a self-defense standpoint, they don't include the kind of body-mind workout that people want when thinking of karate.
Artistic Dance
Rigorous dance forms include all of the elements of karate training: complex technique, physical conditioning and exercises that build both coordination and physical power. Artistic, rather than social, dance forms are often the better choice for workouts in this category. Ballet, jazz, breakdancing and hip-hop will give you a workout that waltz or foxtrot simply won't. For a very close match to karate, try capoeria -- a fight-dance art from Brazil.
Cardio Kickboxing
Cardio kickboxing started in the early 1990s with Tae Bo and has grown to include variants that incorporate moves from many martial arts and music from all over the world. Although the motions in a cardio kickboxing class are not as complex as those in karate training, they do incorporate the other important physical aspects of a karate workout.
Yoga
Yoga is a tradition of exercise and meditation from India, which some scholars believe is the root origin of kung fu, karate and other Asian martial arts. A session of yoga consists of putting your body in various postures that improve your balance, strength, flexibility and coordination. As with karate, the complexity of advanced postures also helps develop your mental acuity. If you're interested in a workout like karate but you are uncomfortable with the violent aspects, yoga is a great alternative.
References
- "The Story of Traditional Martial Arts"; Salvatore Canzonieri; 1996
- "Yoga for a New Age"; Bob Smith; 1987
- Ben Cohn; Fitness Coach and Martial Arts Instructor; Beaverton, Oregon
- "Capoeira Conditioning;" Gerard Taylor; 2004
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