Adding Krav Maga to Your Exercise Routine

Learning this self-defense technique is also a great way to get a good workout.

Medically reviewed by Niya Jones, MD, MPH

Krav Maga, pronounced "krahv muh-GAH," is a type of martial art that includes self-defense moves and techniques. Krav Maga was developed during the 1940s in Israel by a man named Imi Lichtenfeld, who taught his self-defense techniques to soldiers. Since then, Krav Maga has become an increasingly popular form of fitness and self-defense across the world, including the United States, where it is a trendy and challenging way to get in shape.

Krav Maga: New Exercise Moves

Krav Maga uses techniques and moves from other forms of martial arts, including jujitsu, judo, and boxing, but it also uses weapons and props. In Krav Maga classes, students are taught to defend against an opponent or multiple opponents wielding weapons — even guns and knives.

Krav Maga also teaches ways to use the body's reflexes for self-defense, and how to target an attacker's physical weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

Many Krav Maga classes also offer sparring sessions, under close supervision. While it's not a required part of most fitness classes, it is an option for people who want to focus on the self-defense techniques of Krav Maga in addition to its fitness benefits.

There are also Krav Maga-inspired classes that focus on cardiovascular conditioning, elements of yoga, and sports circuit-style training. Additionally, there are also classes for women only.

Krav Maga: Exercise and Fitness Benefits

Krav Maga is a high-intensity form of martial arts that burns calories and builds muscle tone. Like most exercise classes, Krav Maga sessions begin with a warm-up and end with a cool-down period, with plenty of training and aerobic exercise in between.

Krav Maga includes kicks, punches, and other vigorous aerobic moves that also tone muscle. It's a good way to boost strength and stamina, and also lose weight.

Not only will you improve your physical fitness, but Krav Maga workouts are also designed to sharpen your mental fitness. Since Krav Maga prepares you to defend yourself both physically and mentally, participants often find it boosts confidence and reduces stress.

Getting Started With Krav Maga

Self-defense training classes are likely to be available at an officially licensed Krav Maga training center or other martial arts studio. Mainstream health clubs are offering classes as well; contact clubs in your area or check online to see if Krav Maga classes are on their schedules. Many gyms may offer Krav Maga-based fitness classes, focusing more on the fitness and workout aspects while still incorporating some self-defense moves.

Unlike some other martial arts, Krav Maga doesn't require a special uniform to participate. You can wear your usual comfortable workout clothes and a pair of supportive sneakers or boxing shoes to train. Krav Maga is appropriate and available for all ages, even children.

If you want to learn self-defense techniques or are just looking for a new exercise routine, check out Krav Maga. You can learn to protect yourself, improve your self-confidence, tone up, and burn calories, all at the same time.

Last Updated: 07/01/2009

http://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/krav-maga.aspx

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Krav Maga a little cross fitness