Power, Strength, and Health after Fifty-- and Well into Your 80's and Beyond!

Most people know that they should exercise, but they often don’t because it’s not easy to find an activity that is comfortable enough to be done on a regular basis. For exercise to be beneficial, there has to be a commitment to regular training. It’s important to choose an activity that is personally engaging and within your physical ability. For seniors exercise is even more important because it slows down the aging process, and contributes to increased strength, stamina and total well-being.

Something you probably haven’t though of as an exercise program is karate training. Now, before the thought of ducking away from aggressive punches takes over your imagination, many of our images of karate come from movies. On the silver screen young super athletes battle with each other, and kick through the air performing incredible feats of acrobatics. In reality, that’s mostly movie magic, and while it’s flashy, it doesn’t show the realities of karate training.

Karate is a respectful discipline that has a strong mind-body connection. Students develop physical strength, balance and focus, with the added benefit of learning practical self-defense. An advantage for seniors is that you can workout your entire body without lying down on the floor. All movements can be practiced from a standing position without the strain of getting up and down. A person can start karate training at any age, and in almost any state of physical health. Even at the age of 60, with no prior athletic training, a senior can earn a black belt in about the same time-frame as younger students (and sometimes even sooner) because seniors have the maturity and patience to perfect the karate techniques that lead to a black belt.

Adding healthy productive years to your life is a worthwhile pursuit. Karate is a discipline that challenges the body and mind in a safe and stimulating environment. For the month of September, Perro Shotokan Karate is offering seniors free karate training on Thursday mornings at 11:00 AM. If you’re ready to start a new and exciting exercise program, call 508-733-8021 to reserve a place for the upcoming September sessions. Perro Shotokan Karate is located at the Grafton Crossings Business Complex, 135 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536.