Not to mention the boredom due to the repetitiveness of always doing the same exercises. Since not everyone can afford a personal trainer, the lack of accountability that happens when working out alone often leads to less frequent exercise, before gradually returning to exactly where one started.
Children often outgrow the initial excitement and quickly lose interest in sports activities. It is not unusual to hear of parents that are constantly doing the rounds trying every sports activity in town hoping to find “the one” their child decides to stick to.
Yes, of course we learn how to defend ourselves, gain confidence and get in shape, but the progressive nature of working towards the next belt makes martial arts unique, as it is an individual sport practiced in a team environment.