He who knows kung fu doesn't get messed with!

No, seriously, martial arts - from Tae Kwon Do to Capoeira to Tai Chi and Aikido - are a great way not just to get fit but also to develop other skills like discipline, focus and confidence.

• Only some martial arts involve physical contact like 'locks' or 'holds' or actual fighting!
• Others are non-contact.
• They will improve your strength, flexibility, reflexes and coordination through a wide range of movement sequences.

You can get a nice easy rundown of what's what at the British National Martial Arts Association, where you'll also find club listings and lots of other information.

If you are interested in a specific type, you'll find most have a dedicated website, so type 'Kung Fu' or 'Capoeira' into a search engine to learn more, and find out if there's a class in your area.

Getting started

Like with aerobics classes, martial arts vary widely - not just from type to type but even within the different styles. So it's essential that you either watch a class, or take a tester session before committing to something. Most classes require you to have bare feet and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be required to buy a uniform once you've been a few times.