Martial Arts for Workout?

Question

In martial arts, or at least in karate, punches and kicks are the basics. But if someone wanted to get leaner and thinner thighs/legs, would kicking practice on a punching bag or something contribute to accomplishing this goal? I am very curious. Please be as detailed as possible!!! Thank you!!!!!

Answer 1

You bet!  Before I started Taekwondo (similar to Karate) I was slimish (size 6-8) but I hadn't worked out at all in years.  I really wanted to lose weight - I ended up only losing about 5 pounds, but I went to a size 2.  So apparently I lost a lot of fat (slimmed down) but gained muscle.  (5 lb. of muscle is smaller than 5 lb. of fat. because muscle is denser.)  

I can definitely see the difference in tone, especially in my legs, arms, and core.

My classmates have had similar results.

Good luck

Answer 2

Here's the thing... Thickness tends to come from bunching/shortening of flexor muscles or can come from fat or weak muscle tone. While kicking a bag will tone the muscles, without working to elongate the muscles of the inner thigh (that is, train the body that the elongated state is a natural and comfortable state), the inner thigh will continue to be bulkier.

So the short answer will be, yes, it will go a long way to helping, but is not itself sufficient.

Answer 3

Yes it will give you a workout. It will help tone muscles in your legs and your core if done correctly. It is also great for releasing stress.

Answer 4

Hey Hello K!

Leaner and thinner thighs for sure!  Plus, you would also gain some good muscle in your Quadriceps.  Try some footwork drills and jogging too because kicking at the bag is more explosive (hence the added muscle) and jogging/footwork in martial arts, can be more endurance.  

Either way, you'll gain great benefit whatever you choose out of them to achieving your goals!

If toning your legs (or any body area!) to achieve leaness is something you'd like, then please email me: [e-mail] and I could send you some exercises that could compliment your training.

Keep the Faith!

Ade Finch

The Way Of The Internal Gate

www.internalgate.co.uk