Posts Tagged ‘cardio workout’

Can You Fence to Lose Weight?

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

It seems like everyone is looking for new ways to lose weight these days.   The news reports on the obesity epidemic seem never to end, and everyone is looking for ways to keep their waistlines trim. Experts have all kinds of opinions on how to lose weight, and some even claim that we don’t have control over it no matter what. Whom to believe? Who has the most reliable methods of slimming your waistline or just maintaining your current healthy weight? By focusing on the various opinions, you start to see common bits of conventional wisdom.

First, experts insist that physical fitness is an integral part of weight loss. Whether you’re a “gym rat” who prefers the classic gym workout, or you’re an adventuresome fencer putting together your fencing equipment in time for your afternoon match, you can find imaginative ways to increase your physical fitness. You could be an avid jogger, or an indoor soccer extraordinaire.   Competitive sports, such as fencing, are great ideas for those who want a workout that is never boring, and is a solid full body workout.  When maintaining proper form, fencing uses all of the body’s large muscle groups.  It also requires sharp mental focus, another important component when trying to stave off boredom in a workout routine.

Alongside your plan for great physical fitness, you need to implement a diet strategy that limits refined sugar and flours, and maximizes vegetables and protein.  Late night television features any number of various pills claiming to be the “next big thing” in miracle weight loss cures, but don’t waste valuable dollars on this snake oil. The only pathway to true physical health is by taking a holistic approach devoid of expensive pills boasting dubious claims.

Limiting simple carbohydrates is a good idea, since they metabolize similarly to simple sugars.  Eating a snack with lots of carbohydrates but devoid of protein and nutrients simply does not satisfy for very long. Snacks high in protein and nutrients have the nutritional bang to last long while providing much needed goodness to the body.  Moderation is the key in healthy eating. It is easy to say, “Eat moderately!” but you’ll find the more effort you expend, the more it pays off and becomes second nature. It isn’t easy to lose weight, but if you develop a wise strategy, you’re bound for success.

Fencing: An Exciting Sport for All Ages

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

Learn How to Fence - DVD

Amazing swordplay and high-action entertainment are not reserved for your favorite pirate epics. The sport of fencing has all the excitement of swordplay, without the messy results! The use of swords in battle goes back to the ancient eras, and by the middle ages, it had become particularly popular among the English gentry. Fencing evolved into a sport of its own, and within a few hundred years, rules emerged to define the sport. Fencing equipment evolved along with the rules and conventions of fencing.

The Olympic governing body added an event for the foil to the roster of Olympic events in 1896. The foil is the most common type of fencing sword, and is often the choice of beginners in the sport. The foil began as a training tool in the 1700s, something beginners used before taking up a small sword. The torso of the body is the typical target for one using a foil. Later in the 1900s, the Olympic committee expanded their fencing events to include the epee and the saber. The epee is different in philosophy from the foil and the epee weapon features a heavier weight and a three-sided, stiffer blade. Those using an epee are not only aiming for the torso, but can target other areas of the body like the arm and even the foot.

The saber is a cutting and thrusting tool, and thus, the user can use the edge of the blade to earn valid touches while competing. The foil and the epee valid touches are determined by the point landing on the opponent.

The epee was introduced for women’s competition in 1996, and the saber in 2004. Women have been competing in the foil fencing events going all the way back to 1924.

Fencing gear is not just comprised of the weapons; protective clothing is vital in preventing injury. One should never fence without appropriate gear, since serious injury could otherwise occur. Gear typically used in practice and competition includes chest protector for women, gloves, jacket, mask, under-arm protector, fencing shoes, socks, and pants.

Fencing is an exciting competitive sport that has a long and storied past. Taking part in the sport of fencing is a unique experience, and one that gives you a taste of a history. You could be a participant in the middle of the action, or you could just be a fascinated observer; in any case, there is so much to enjoy about the exciting sport of fencing.