Not running or yoga? Why is fencing useful?

If we are talking about an active lifestyle and physical education, then jogging, gym, yoga and other popular activities today come to mind. But this does not mean at all that apart from them there are no more ways to live actively and keep oneself in shape. Take fencing, for example. It was about this sport that Alex Chancellor told us, who started practicing it absolutely by accident and still does not regret his choice. And his impressions were complemented by a professional swordsman. But first things first.

Fencing is the art of striking without getting hit. Moliere

I have been practicing fencing for a little over a year. This is an incredibly interesting and exciting sport. Just one fight is worth and anyone will want to practice fencing. You put on a mask, take a sword in your hands - and you are a musketeer!:-)

But seriously, about a year ago my friend Anton Pakhotin, master of sports in fencing, decided to train others and opened a recruitment for the group. I decided to give it a try and still visit him three times a week.

Why fencing

The most interesting thing is that it is really fun, sporty and fun. The girls who study with us get great pleasure (moreover, of different ages, from 16 to 35).

And guys, and even more so: it is worth putting on a white suit, a mask, picking up a sword - deep men's reflexes will make themselves felt:-)

Benefits for the body

In fencing, there is a fairly strong cardio load. Constantly in motion, arms, legs, abs, and back work. Just look at the professional fencers - they have very strong arms and a beautiful body.

Fencing is a versatile sport; classes have a positive effect on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. During fencing, your whole body works, without exception. Our sport involves both cyclical and dynamic work that helps you lose extra pounds and makes your figure fit. As a professional athlete, in one of the training sessions, I weighed in before and after. It turned out that I had lost 2, 8 kilograms. It was an intense workout, but still. Anton Pakhotin, master of sports in fencing

Which muscle groups work

During fencing, all muscle groups are involved, both small and large: both the back, and biceps with triceps, and pectoral muscles. But the main load goes to the legs, which are constantly in motion.

What you need to get started

You need to come to the first training session and start practicing. No preparation required.

As in any other business, first of all, desire is necessary to start classes. Fencing does not require ideal physical training, absolutely everyone can do it - of course, if there are no certain restrictions from the doctor. There is a known case when, at the age of 96, a woman was engaged in fencing. Anton Pakhotin, master of sports in fencing

Equipment cost

For a beginner, at first it will be enough to have only his own glove (the trainer will give the rest). But in the future you will have to buy a suit (a suit with a glove will cost about $ 40).

Fencing as a way of self-defense

Swordsmen are said to be good with a knife. Pah-pah-pah, I didn't have to.

In addition to sports fencing, there are all sorts of other offshoots of this sport. This is artistic fencing, and historical, and various types of fencing with knives, daggers … In any case, fencing develops reaction, determination, patience and physical fitness. The basic techniques in fencing and martial arts are similar, and with any stick a swordsman can become a dangerous target for attackers. Anton Pakhotin, master of sports in fencing

We hope that Alex's personal experience and Anton's comments inspired you to expand the list of your hobbies and pay attention to fencing as a useful and interesting hobby.