| Most martial artists use martial arts equipment like | | | | Training Bands: If you want to build muscle and |
| punch bags to practice punches, elbow strikes and | | | | strength, training bands--thick, rubber bands--are as |
| kicks. However, this gear can also be used for other | | | | effective as traditional hand weights because the |
| modern day exercises, whether you're a martial artist | | | | band creates resistance. By arranging training bands in |
| who wants to improve conditioning or an exercise | | | | different positions, you can target your arms, |
| enthusiast with no martial arts training. | | | | shoulders, chest, back and legs. Try standing on one |
| Effectively utilizing martial arts equipment can boost | | | | end of the band and holding the other to perform |
| your fitness levels and advance your performance in | | | | bicep curls. Similarly, standing in the middle of the |
| other sports. Exercising with martial arts gear will | | | | band and holding one end in each hand will give you |
| improve your cardiac functioning, build strength and | | | | resistance when you perform squats. |
| muscle tone, and develop your speed, accuracy and | | | | Head Size Punch Bag: Precision and speed are |
| balance. | | | | essential for a variety of sports, including martial arts, |
| If you're hoping to enhance your current exercise | | | | racquetball, volleyball, basketball and tennis. The head |
| routine, consider adding martial arts training gear to | | | | size punch bag is one of the best pieces of martial |
| your workout program. | | | | arts equipment for developing your reflexes and |
| Skipping Ropes: A favorite conditioning tool of | | | | improving accuracy. It hangs by an adjustable strap |
| boxers, skipping rope is a great cardiovascular | | | | and utilizes a stretchy cord for tension, so the bag |
| exercise that will build your speed and endurance. | | | | sways as you punch it. Punching a head size punch |
| Wear good cross-training shoes and choose a shock | | | | bag for just a few minutes a day will develop your |
| absorbent surface, such as a hardwood floor or a | | | | hand-eye coordination since you'll be repeatedly trying |
| gym mat. Since the exercise can be strenuous, you | | | | to strike a small, moving target. |
| may want to begin by skipping rope for 2-3 minutes | | | | Freestanding Punch Bag: For a complete workout |
| and then resting for 60 seconds. Repeat this process | | | | with one piece of martial arts training gear, the |
| until you develop the skill and conditioning to lengthen | | | | freestanding punch bag allows you to perform both |
| the amount of time you spend skipping rope. | | | | aerobic and strength exercises. Quickly punching and |
| Gym Balls: Initially designed as a rehabilitation tool for | | | | kicking the bag will boost your heart rate and |
| physical therapists, gym balls strengthen core muscles | | | | develop your cardiac fitness. Striking the freestanding |
| and improve balance. Try resting your lower back on | | | | punch bag will also build your muscles. Try alternating |
| a gym ball and performing stomach crunches to | | | | between quick, short jabs and harder punches and |
| exercise your abdominal muscles. To develop better | | | | kicks that require more strength. |
| balance, use this piece of martial arts training | | | | Martial arts training equipment is ideal for developing |
| equipment as a weight lifting bench. You can do bicep | | | | aerobic capacity and enhancing the strength of all |
| curls and shoulder presses when you sit on the gym | | | | athletes. If you're looking for a fresh, new way to |
| ball. While lying on the ball, you can perform chest | | | | exercise, add some martial arts gear to your |
| presses, chest flyes and tricep extensions. | | | | workout plan to recharge your regular fitness routine. |