Martial arts and combat sports can be a great way to help improve your fitness. Whether you need to lose weight, improve confidence, increase flexibility or improve cardiovascular health, there is a style suited for you.

Want to work on cardio? Try learning Muay Thai! It is a form of kickboxing originated in Thailand that incorporates the use of punches, kicks, along with knee and elbow strikes. Muay Thai boxers follow rigorous training programs to prepare for competition. This training style helps to improve muscular strength and endurance as well as cardiovascular endurance.

If you like to dance, Capoera might be worth looking into. Capoera is a Brazilian martial art that uses rhythmic movements and dancing to land various strikes. Practitioners develop an incredible level of balance and acrobatic skills because many of the kicks are delivered in spinning or flipping movements.

Practicing a kick-focused art such as Tae Kwon Do is a great way to help with flexibility. Although Tae Kwon Do originated in Korea, it is commonly practiced throughout the United States. Tae Kwon Do fighters are known for using high kicks, especially with spinning movements. However, someone learning Tae Kwon Do can expect to improve flexibility and cardiovascular endurance.

Not exactly comfortable with contact fighting? Try Tai Chi! It is a Chinese martial art that uses slow flowing movements of the arms and legs. A Tai Chi practitioner can expect to improve their joint health, mental clarity and focus, and also relive stress.

Martial arts and combat sports can be an excellent form of activity, so it is important that you pick a style that is both fun and serves your fitness goals.