question about martial arts/boxing

celtickarasu

I'm confused about whether doing my karate charts is strength training or not. From what I understand, if I go through the charts (the different kicks and punches) in the air, not hitting anything, that is isometric exercise, right? Does that mean that if I go through the charts with a heavy punching bag, that counts as strength training? Because the bag is providing resistance. So I guess my question is whether resistance training is the same as strength training. I'm trying to decide whether I need to add weight lifting to my routine or not. I currently run, zumba, bellydance, and train with a punching bag. I want strength training in there somewhere. Do I already have it with the punching bag?

PBJunkie

Boxing and martial arts are considered as cardio. Hitting a bag won't contract your muscles,putting it under tension and causing muscle fiber tears.

daves160

I log my martial arts training under cardio as well.

JE55Y

By doing karate you won't just be doing kicks and punches. You'll be moving about doing steps, sparring, katas, and getting a better cardio exercise than just hitting a bag.

More fun too, interaction with other people.

JE55Y

And Krav Maga is much more realistic than Karate