The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and often, a break from routine. For martial artists, this break can lead to missed classes, leaving practitioners feeling like they’ve fallen behind. The truth is, it’s common to feel this way, but it’s essential not to let it derail your progress.

Let’s address the concerns that many martial artists face during this time: the worry about losing progress due to missed classes. It’s understandable to feel concerned, but here’s the good news and the bad news.

The bad news is that cardio and muscle strength can decline quickly if you take a break from training. You might find yourself feeling sore and fatigued in your first few classes back. This temporary setback is normal, and it’s essential to be patient with yourself during this phase.

However, the good news is that the body has a remarkable ability to retain muscle memory and recover cardio endurance relatively quickly. With consistent training, your body will bounce back faster than you might expect.

Now, let’s discuss the approach to making up for lost time. It’s crucial to remain consistent moving forward without pushing yourself too hard and risking injury. Martial arts is a long-term journey, and while a few missed classes might disrupt your routine, it’s not the end of your progress.

Remember, a sustainable approach is key. Don’t feel pressured to overcompensate for missed classes by training excessively. This could lead to burnout or injury, setting you back further in your martial arts journey.

It’s important to view martial arts as a long-term commitment. A few missed sessions won’t drastically impact your progress in the grand scheme of things. However, giving up due to feeling too far behind might have more severe consequences in the long run.

The holiday season might present challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to reassess your dedication to martial arts. Embrace the process, be patient with yourself, and focus on consistency rather than intensity. Ultimately, staying committed to your practice will yield greater benefits than giving in to temporary setbacks.

Shihan William Tzizik, a invites you to try a free week of Martial arts  https://cp.mystudio.io/t/?=6JX8Gb/6556/6950//1670448190