Martial arts or weights?

[Justin]

Ok, I've decided it's time for me to get back into shape.  (Not trying to steal any thunder from Barbara here, or anything.)

Anyway, I've been debating whether I should get into the weight room, or start taking some sort of martial arts lessons, possibly Krav Maga.

From where I sit (see, told you I need to get out and exercise) there are pros and cons to both.

Weight lifting-
Pros:
Potential for developing bigger muscle mass
better ability to tailor workouts to certain muscle groups
The gym that I would likely join is right down the street from where I work.
Good excuse to buy an iPod.

Cons:
kinda boring. Yay, I'm going to pick up this heavy thing and move it to-and-fro a whole bunch.

Martial arts-
Pros:
Better cardio development
Learn an actual skill useful for self defense. (I have no doubt I could handle myself in an encounter where I have a pistol or other firearm.  Ironically, I don't think I'd have the first clue of what to do if a situation came to fisticuffsmanship.)
Probably more fun than weightlifting

Cons:
Probably wouldn't develop as much muscle mass
Have to buy more gear?


Thoughts?
I'd like to keep this as an either-or kind of proposition. No cries of "BOTH!"  However, I'm also open to other suggestions as well.

[Sean Smith]

One thing to consider is that weights can be alot cheaper than good martial arts lessons, and easier to work into your schedule than lessons.  So if time and money are major factors, weights may be the most straightforward thing to do.

On the other hand, weights can be pretty dull, and don't give you a useful skill.  You also really need to know what you are doing, or lifting weights can do more harm than good... it isn't rocket science by any stretch, but isn't totally brainless either.

So... it depends.

[...has left the building.]

How many days/week would you devote to Krav lessons? Say its 3. Go to class as your workout for three days. Spend 2 other days running, doing hindu squats, hindu pushups, ab workout, and possibly the neck bridge. An abbreviated workout in those 2 days will do wonders for your health, plus you'll be learning Krav at the same time.

I started doing the Matt Furey type "Combat Conditioning" exercises and become stronger MUCH faster than when I was lifting constantly. You state that you might want to get more mass or target specific areas. In my experience, doing more dynamic strength exercises that challenge multiple muscle groups at the same time result in much more strength gain. Mass is a moot point because if you're toned and very strong, mass doesn't really matter.

Honestly, I can't see you lifting because it is so damn boring. I'm the same way, I get really bored in the weightroom.

[Justin]

I'm thinking I'd probably go to MA two or three days a week.  It would also depend on the schedule of classes, as there's only one Krav school in town.

I've heard good things about the Matt Furey program, but my biggest beef with it is that it's the sort of thing you do at home, on your own.  If I'm not paying for lessons or going to a specific place to work out, I'm much less likely to do any exercises.  Once of those self-discipline things. :-/

[brimic]

Do both.

Weight training becomes less of a bore and more of an addiction over time.

[Iain]

The boredom does recede.

If you really fancy a challenge and have the facilities available to you then learn Olympic lifting. The lifts are very technical, and I have great respect for anyone that can perform anything near bodyweight overhead lifts, especially snatches. You'll develop fantastic coordination and strength, and if you get good then cool things like a massive vertical jump will be yours.

Krav Maga seems to be the big thing these days. Wish I had a school available to me.

[Guest]

I'd do martial arts just because its less boring and more interactive. I checked into it here and there's just not much available.