Exercising While Training in Martial Arts

Whether training to become a master martial artist or simply enjoying how practice enriches your life, additional workouts matter. Should you add another exercise routine or sport?

Will jogging help your martial arts goals or hurt them? How many rest days do you need? With a few essential tips, you'll have the knowledge to create a safe, impactful exercise regime complementing your practice.

Training Frequency Recommendations

Training Time Considerations

Almost every factor when integrating exercise with martial arts hinges on how often you show up to the dojo. If you only attend once weekly, you can and probably should exercise outside martial arts training.

If you practice a minimum of three times weekly, fitting in other sports or exercise becomes less easy. More than three times weekly — unless in peak physical shape, you might do more harm than good adding more exercise.

Class Length and Intensity

Class length is another element to consider. Some schools have 30-45 minute sessions while others run two hours or more. If classes are under an hour, including other exercises in your schedule is easier.

As with all exercise classes, some martial arts classes are more intense than others. If your schedule includes lots of sparring, you may not be able to lift weights the next day.

• Monitor your body's recovery signals
• Adjust intensity based on upcoming training
• Prioritize sleep for optimal recovery
• Consider complementary exercises like yoga

Complementary Exercises

Frequently Asked Questions