Every type of workout requires you to exert power in one way or another. You feel tired and sore after working out because it costs energy to use that power. A good way to explain this is with weight lifting. The weights are heavy so in order to lift them you must use the strength and power within you — and you can feel it with each rep. Using power and burning energy is what helps people get fit or stay in shape. Essentially, any activity in which you have to use power and energy can be considered a workout. Sometimes, it may not feel like a workout, but as long as you’re consistently using your internal power, then you’re actually getting in shape.

Karate actually relies a lot on focusing in on and utilizing your internal power. While you may not have an external source of power against you like a heavy barbell, you’ll actually be exerting your internal power into the air around you. This can be seen in every movement in karate — it’s not just moving your hands, each movement of the fist is thrusted quickly into the air, which requires a lot of internal force. Just by using your body’s power to consistently change your stance, kick your leg, then jab your fist, you’ll start feeling like you’re in the midst of a cardio session in no time. While you might not build large muscles if you learn karate, you will condition all of your core, arm, and leg muscles. You’ll do this by mastering more difficult kicks and jabs, all while keeping your body centered and balanced at the core.