Capoeira is a Brazilian cultural expression that combines martial arts, music, acrobatics and dance to perform fast, complex and unique moves and movements, which require a large amount of strength and body flexibility. Capoeira practitioners generally have excellent physical shape and well-being, as the acrobatics and movements not only stimulate the body, but the personality and mental state.
Therefore, practicing capoeira can bring physical and psychological benefits to the person, such as reducing stress and anxiety, improving self-confidence and improving flexibility and body strength, for example.
Health benefits of capoeira
The main benefits of practicing capoeira are:
1. Develops body strength and flexibility
During capoeira practice, it is necessary to frequently use your arms, hands and abdominal muscles to be able to perform acrobatics and agile poses, which result in constant use of the muscles in the upper region of the body. This frequent use of muscles stimulates muscle fibers and increases blood flow, improving muscle strength and leading to rapid growth in muscle volume.
Furthermore, by performing complex movements, capoeira practitioners develop extraordinary flexibility over time, which not only allows them to perform more difficult figures, but also reduces the risk of injury.
2. Reduces stress and anxiety
Capoeira is performed to the sound of music, which follows a rhythm similar to that of body movement, in this way the capoeira practitioner feels a sense of bodily and mental relaxation, even after performing difficult acrobatics.
After capoeira training, the body begins to release a large amount of endorphins, which are neurotransmitters responsible for improving mood.
Another good option for relaxing and relieving anxiety is using home remedies for stress.
3. Helps you lose weight
To do capoeira successfully, you need a large amount of energy, as, during the practice of this type of sport, the body is in constant movement. This, combined with the repeated acrobatic movements, makes capoeira an intense cardio exercise, which greatly increases the rate of fat burning, even after the capoeira session is over.
4. Improves confidence and self-esteem
Capoeira is a perfect way to improve self-esteem and confidence, as, in addition to improving physical fitness, it also produces a feeling of courage when you have mastered some of the more complex body movements.
5. Promotes social interaction
Typically, capoeira groups function like a family, in which there is a great spirit of help to improve body movements and acrobatics. Furthermore, as it takes several people to do the capoeira circle, it is also possible to meet new people from different places and cultures.
How to begin
The most important thing to start practicing capoeira is to have the desire and choose a certified school, without any type of experience or specific skills being necessary. During the first capoeira sessions, technical aspects and basic defense movements are taught, and over time, attack movements are advanced, which are more complex.
To start practicing capoeira, a specific type of clothing is not necessary, and it is recommended, at the beginning, to wear comfortable clothing, such as sweatpants and a t-shirt, for example. Only after some time may it be necessary to purchase the official practice uniform, especially when representing the group in competitions.
Bibliography
- SARDINHA, Samy S.; ALVES, Fernanda A. .; ALVES, Allana F. et al. Capotherapy: elements of capoeira in promoting the well-being of the elderly. Case report. Com. Health Sciences. Vol 21. 4 ed; 349-354, 2010
- Borda BORDA, Flora Margarida A. Capoeira Angola and health promotion: reflections from a literature review. Course Completion Work, 2018. University of Brasília.
