Fencing is a fantastic hobby for anyone who enjoys physical activity, being outdoors and using their brain. Fencing provides an excellent workout because it requires the use of both upper-body strength and coordination. It also improves balance while providing aerobic exercise that strengthens the heart.
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What is Fencing?
Fencing is the sport or pastime of fighting with swords. Historically, many cultures have embraced fencing as a way to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence.
The advent of more modern weapons has reduced fencing’s standing in some parts of the world, but it remains popular throughout the western world.
Professional fencers are usually highly-fit athletes who fence for their countries in international competition. The great news is that fencing is no longer reserved for the elite, and amateur participants should not be intimidated by professional fencers.
Age isn’t a barrier to fencing, either: many clubs have members ranging from children to adults of both genders. It’s a good idea for novices to take fencing classes with an instructor, but experienced fencers can study independently or with a book.
Benefits of Fencing as a Hobby
- Fencing Helps you develop stronger concentration and focus.
- It is a great way to meet friends and socialize. It’s common for fencers to keep in touch even after their lessons have ended, and fencers may form local clubs where they can practice together in a friendly environment.
- It’s a fun activity to do with family members of all ages (even young children can fence).
- Fencing promotes cardiovascular fitness and endurance, helping you maintain a healthy heart and body weight over time by burning calories while building muscle strength in the arms, chest, legs, hips, and upper back.
- You don’t have to be incredibly strong or fast to fencing—most of the fencing is mental! In fact, many fencers have been surprised when they learn how much muscle endurance they need for fencing because it requires so little physical effort compared to other sports like basketball or soccer.
- Fencing gets you outdoors and in the sunshine, enjoying physical activity with friends and family members in beautiful places like parks and (indoor) gymnasiums! It’s also an inexpensive hobby because all you need to get started is a fencing mask (costs less than $100), a fencing practice weapon (in most cases this will cost between $50–$150), and protective equipment such as knee pads and gloves—all of which can usually be found at huge discounts online or secondhand.
- You’ll learn how to use your body more fully by engaging your legs, arms, shoulders, chest muscles, core stability muscles, and hips during fencing—and training these muscle groups together provides even more benefits than working them one at a time.
- Fencing is an excellent workout for your brain! The mental strategy behind fencing requires you to constantly analyze and overcome challenges presented within the game, helping to keep your mind sharp over time.
- You don’t need lots of special equipment or clothing to begin fencing because it’s very customizable—and many fencing clubs have used equipment that you can use free of charge or inexpensively buy to practice on your own at home. All you really need are comfortable shoes, appropriate clothing (e.g., pants, t-shirt), and sufficient space to move around without harming yourself or others!
- Fencing is fun! There are all kinds of fencing, including both traditional and electric styles, allowing you to choose your level of sport involvement.