Recommended Martial Arts for excercise and general fitness?

I've been doing the same routine for some time (shooting hoops a few days a week) to stay healthy and I've become a little bored and uninspired, and as a result I've skipped my "play nights" to sit around and do nothing. 10lbs later I've decided to change things up and thought that some sort of martial arts might do the trick. I figure being in a class enviroment would help motivate me, get me back into shape and maybe even have a little fun. Im not looking to be competitive (even though i do have a mean competitive streak so who knows), or to really learn about kickin butt, but simply as a fitness tool.





Is there a martial art that fits these requirements? Would full contact sports like Boxing, Muy Thai or that-intense-Israeli- self-defense - is-called be best? or would something a little more "art" based like Shaolin Kung Fu or Aikido be more suitable? Or even go something more weapons based like Kendo or Fencing?





Any advice is appreciated.

Recommended Martial Arts for excercise and general fitness?
Muay Thai, no, with traditional Muay Thai you are looking at doing the ceremonies and actual practices that are traditional in their culture. Kickboxing would be more beneficial in my opinion because it incorporates your whole body, and fitness kickboxing does even more so. Fitness kickboxing is really for people who wish to loose weight, get real lean and have some fun while doing it. I know it just sounded like a commercial, but it does work wonders.





Actual kickboxing mainly teaches, while the fitness version is just like go in and do it so you burn some fat. I wouldnt suggest boxing just because anywhere you go really everyone will be there to compete. Anyone studying boxing is doing it for competition, not playing around.





If you are interested in a more art type of martial art, I would suggest Karate, they have many different types of karate and it is still fun and will make anyone loose weight really. Also they have a lot of competitions out there. Its the friendlier martial art, otherwise go with Tae Kwon Doe, its basically like a mix of kickboxing and karate rolled into one. In my personal opinion anyways.
Reply:Well it's a start, if you want you get into shape. but fighting or competition shape that's a different story, that takes gruelling exercises, discipline, and a strong desire to get better. but general health i would recommend mile runs or jogs, where you go farther gradually, and standard isometrics such as squats, push-ups, and crunches or situps as well if just for general health, if your just gonna d martial arts you won't get much progress, b/c you'll need to more on your own.
Reply:I would reccomend Tae Kwon Do. I have been doing it for 4 years and I am a black belt. It has gotten me in great physical shape and it is not at all boring. It will knock you into shape pretty fast.
Reply:freestyle karate and crosstrain in muay thai.the israeli art called crap maggot is a waste of time it is an overrated sloppy imitation of other freestyle martial arts.
Reply:tae kwon do. i have gotten twenty pounds lighter ever since tae kwon do. since tae kwon do utilizes all parts of your body you will get more exercise from it. just make sure you are dedicated enough to do tae kwon do.
Reply:Taebo, Taekwondo, Boxing, and Kickboxing are all good for general purpose fitness.
Reply:Based on your criteria, I'd suggest Judo. It's both a sport %26amp; a martial art. You'll get lots of exercise and you'll learn some good self-defense. You rarely see fat Judo competitors!