Fitness and co-ordination, motor skills

[gzk]

For anyone who's at any point gone from relatively unfit to fit, did you find it improved your co-ordination and/or motor skills?

[lordtariel]

I think any physical activity improves your motor skills. How much it improves will vary based on what you're doing.

[gzk]

Does weight loss itself result in improvement in that area?

[lordtariel]

I imagine that motor skills and co-ordination probably would improve a little bit, but I'm really not sure. I've never been in a position too judge for myself, but it stands to reason the better shape you're in, the better your physical skills would be.

[bushido_man96]

I think motor skills practice is what enhances motor skills, no matter your size. Losing weight will make you move a little easier, I imagine, but it shouldn't have much affect on your fine moter skills.

[Akaratechick]

Martial arts is awesome for coordination. You become very aware of your surroundings and your reflexes become natural, stick with it and you will be amazed

[gzk]

I am indeed finding that, Akaratechick. I'm wondering, though, if that improvement would be more rapid with faster weight loss. The way I figure it, if I get down to a healthier weight, my movement will come more easily and I'll be able to go through the motions of a technique more easily instead of losing balance, forgetting to move one part of my body while moving another, etc. Make any sense?

[Akaratechick]

makes perfect sense. The less weight we carry (within normal weight limits) the more efficient we are. Lance Armstrong is a great example. By reducing his body fat % after his bout with cancer, he came back stronger and of course faster. I do believe that balance is a different story. It has a lot to do with strength, inluding leg and core. and sometimes it's as easy and not leaning when you kick Balance comes with time and practice.

I think it's awesome that you are so passionate. mastering the blocks, strikes, kata, etc. will improve your coordination as well.

[baronbvp]

Losing weight is always a good idea if you're heavy. It eases the workload on your joints, heart, lungs, everything. Don't forget to include some strength training as you tone. All this will help you move easier. Stretch to increase your flexibility, and use those motor skills to improve your coordination. It's a synergistic effect = all good.