There is an ongoing craze worldwide to put premium on health. People of Tampa are in the front line when it comes to this health consciousness trend. With the increasing number of existing lifestyle diseases, we should really change the way we live.

One way that we can do this is through an active lifestyle. Engaging in sports, recreational activities, and exercise programs such as jogging, aerobics, and going to the gym are some of the things that we can do. But for those who like taking it to the extremes, you can take martial arts training sessions and classes.

Contrary to what our common assumptions are, martial arts is not only about engaging in combat, competitions, tournaments and self-defense. Martial arts like brazilian jiu jitsu, gracie jiu jitsu, karate, judo, muay thai, kickboxing, wrestling, and mixed martial arts or MMA instill values such as focus, respect, discipline, concentration, self-control, teamwork as well as improved coordination, memory, and balance.

Aside from these, martial arts is also known to have lots of health benefits. The British Journal of Sports Medicine shows that adults in the 40s and 50s age group who engages in martial arts training exhibited astonishing levels of physical fitness compared with people from the same age group who do not engage even in the slightest forms of exercise. Results also showed that the participants of the study who practiced martial arts have 12% less body fat, can do twice as much sit ups, have enhanced leg strength and flexibility, and most importantly, showed a stronger immune system.

Here is a list of common martial arts classes and the health benefits that accompany them:

• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Gracie Jiu Jitsu--physical strength, endurance, flexibility and speed

• Mixed Martial Arts--aerobic and anaerobic cardiovascular endurance, cardio health, muscle endurance and muscle strength

• Karate--cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health, exercise for the heart, mucles, and bones

• Judo--Weight loss, reduced risks of obesity and heart diseases, increased metabolic rate and muscle growth

-Muay Thai--Core strength, balance, flexibility, and functional strength, cardiovascular benefits, blood circulation, combating type 2 diabetes

• Kickboxing--Cardiovascular and aerobic workout

• Wrestling--Faster metabolism, increased caloric expenditure, burns fat, gains lean muscles

These martial arts namely brazilian jiu jitsu, gracie jiu jitsu, karate, judo, muay thai, kickboxing, wrestling, and mixed martial arts or MMA are but a few of the wide array of martial arts type available in Tampa, Florida. One place that offers classes on brazilian jiu jitsu, gracie jiu jitsu, karate, judo, muay thai, kickboxing, wrestling, and mixed martial arts or MMA is Evolution Martial Arts. Evolution Martial Arts is an institution that offers after school pickup programs as well as adult classes. Their after school pickup classes is very student and child friendly. Evolution Martial Arts pick up your child at school, work on homework, then teach them martial arts! Their adult classes are rigorous yet fun, giving working people a stress reliever activity that gives mental and physical benefits.

There you go people of Tampa. Improve your health conditions in a fun, relaxing, and enjoying way!

Evolution Martial Arts

14436 N Dale Mabry Hwy

Tampa, FL 33618

(813) 961-5245

www.graciebarraevolution.com