Taking up martial arts is exciting! You think about it constantly, your enthusiasm hits an all-time high, and your day-to-day life takes on a different tone and colour. This is due to the novelty of it all: Learning a new skill, meeting new people, etc. But despite the initial excitement, martial arts training can be hard on your body. And if you’re not careful, overtraining can lead to burnout, which may eventually result in injury or even resignation.
Luckily, this is avoidable. And with a few simple tips, you can keep up with your training regime and enjoy the many benefits of martial arts! Here are 3 easy tips to help you avoid burnout when first getting started.
1. Take Rest Days
Spending as much time as possible on the mats can be tempting. However, you should try to avoid this. At least until you gain your bearings and become accustomed to martial arts training. Even naturally athletic people need time to adjust if they’re new to martial arts. The reason is that your body is not yet used to this movement and activity.
So be sure to start with a slower-paced training schedule; training 2 or 3 days a week to start is optimal. From there, you can work your way up if you’d like. But whether you want to train Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, or anything in between, ensure you give your body time to adapt by not overtraining.
Some signs of overtraining can include:
- Training fatigue
- Being sore for days afterward
- Decline in performance
- Increased injuries
- Compromised coordination
- Diminished strength
Take it slow, be patient, and ensure you don’t skip those rest days. This process will help you perform at your best and avoid burnout and injuries.
2. Consume a Nutritious Diet
Many underestimate the role diet plays in strengthening your performance. Food is your fuel. And when your nutrition is dialled in, your whole body functions optimally. This will help you stave off burnout since your system will fire on all cylinders when supported by proper nutrition.
A healthy diet for martial arts training (or in general) will consist of:
- Lean protein: Ensure you add eggs, fish, chicken, greek yogurt, etc., to your diet. These high-protein sourced foods will ensure your blood sugar levels are maintained. As a result, your mood and energy will also stabilize.
- Complex carbohydrates: Some carbs can benefit martial arts training. For example, consider including oatmeal, pasta, and whole-grain bread in your diet if you haven’t already. These types of carb-rich foods help bolster your emotional state and have a tremendous impact on your energy levels.
- Healthy fats: Nutritional fats are vital as they provide your body with the fuel required for proper cell function. When you fuel your system with these essential nutrients, you’ll have more tenacity on the mats.
3. Develop the Right Mindset
Cultivate the right mindset for training; take on an attitude of longevity. You want to enjoy the advantages of martial arts training for the long haul. And the best way to do that is to view this as a lifelong journey. Having this outlook makes you more patient with yourself and your progress.
As a result, you won’t be in a rush to get that next (or first) promotion. You’ll enjoy the process more; additionally, you’ll know when to take breaks and won’t feel guilty for doing so.
Starting Your Martial Arts Journey
Learning martial arts is perhaps one of the most empowering things you can do. It teaches self-discipline, respect, perseverance, and so much more! At Affinity Academy, we offer a fun and safe environment for you to develop your self-defence skills. Moreover, with passionate instructors and helpful training partners, you’ll feel confident knowing you’re surrounded by people who care about your development.
So if you’re ready, contact us today to start your martial arts journey!
Writer Bio:
Alex Brown is a self-improvement writer specializing in health & fitness, goal setting, self-discipline, and quality living. – See more at: https://alexbrownofficial.net/about-us/