Beyond muay thai: 3 martial arts that strengthen your legs –

Learning: “The gentle art teaches us that it doesn’t matter if you’re on top or on the bottom, there’s always a way to fight and improve your position, and that in difficult times you won’t be “brave” that you’ll get out of there, but putting your head in place, creating a strategy and waiting for the right time for things” (master1305/Thinkstock/Getty Images)

Kicks and punches are infallible to knock out boredom and fat – not for nothing, boxing and muay thai classes are held in gyms. But, betting on less common martial arts, you can only strengthen your legs (you can forget about that fear of having broad shoulders!), gain more breath and even relax!

1. Taekwondo

Originally from Korea, taekwondo is champion in the cardiorespiratory category. The workout takes your heart rate through the roof with reps of kicks, jumps and leaps – 500 calories go away in an hour! And, as the blows demand a lot from the legs, the sport tones the thighs, buttocks and abdomen (gives you strength!) like few others.

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2. Tai chi chuan

Haters will say that tai chi is something for the elderly. The choreography of fight sequences really brings many benefits for the elderly. But, since the movements and postures work as isometric exercises, the modality develops the musculature of the legs, arms, hips and lower back. Practice still improves emotional health and breathing, so Harvard University in the United States considers it an activity suitable for everyone.

3. Greco-Roman wrestling

Greco-Roman wrestling does not allow hand or foot strikes – you need to grab the opponent and knock him to the ground. The opponent’s weight serves as resistance, so athletes gain strength in legs and arms. And get ready to come dripping out of your workout: squatting, gripping, lifting and pushing for an hour will burn up to 600 calories.

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