When you practice them correctly you use every muscle in your body. Done on a regular basis this will help keep your muscles toned. Of course you get out of them what you put in. So, if you only half heartedly "go through the motions" you won't get much muscle toning out of it.
Martial arts also provides an excellent aerobic workout. I equate it to running wind sprints because the moves are sudden and explosive. Because of this long distance running doesn't seem to help to improve your wind in sparring. Some of the benefits of aerobic exercises include:
Keep excess pounds off
Increases stamina
Wards off viral illnesses
Reduces health risks
Helps manage chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and sugar
Strengthens the heart
Keeps arteries clear
Helps boost your mood
Helps you stay active as you grow older; thus helping you keep your independence
People that do aerobic exercises usually live longer than those that don't
I also heard a report recently that claimed a recent study indicated that practicing martial arts helps prevent Alzheimer's disease.
The next health benefit to be realized is improved flexibility. Stretching exercises is a big part of becoming a good fighter. It is necessary in order to perform at your optimum, and to do some of the high kicks that some of the arts teach. I like to think that it is worth it to be able to put on and tie my own shoes when I do get old.
Then there is the mental discipline that is developed from regular practice. You learn how to ignore pain and push through to completion of your goals. You learn mastery over your emotions as part of this mental discipline development process. This is something that is sadly lacking in our society today at every level.
One very important health benefit is that those who practice regularly usually enjoy more confidence and self esteem. These two things are crucial in order to live a happy and fulfilling life.
Lastly, martial arts gives us a higher moral code to live by. Whether you realize it or not this has a direct effect on crime rates. Qualities like honor, respect, and integrity are stressed in most martial arts schools. People of honor and integrity are less likely to commit crime than those who lack these qualities. People that respect others and authority are not the kind of people that are filling the prison houses in this country.
There are probably many other health benefits of practicing martial arts. I've touched on a few of the most obvious. I hope it is enough to motivate you to either start or to continue your journey down the martial arts path.
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