Healthy Hollywood: Wellness Wednesday — Fencing Does A Mind & Body Good!

Think fencing – think swashbuckling Hollywood heroes like Jack Sparrow or James Bond. Trust me, fencing isn’t just for the big screen or the history books anymore.

This gentleman’s game is making a huge comeback and the physical/ metal benefits of this combat sport are beyond intense.

I tried it for myself and let’s just say, after my first lesson, I was sweating as if I’d jogged miles on the treadmill at full speed.

My fencing adventure began at Manhattan’s Fencing Center where I met up with the very good looking Fencing Master, Tim Morehouse. The 32-year old Olympic silver medalist assured me, “Fencing is one of the best workouts for your butt and legs,” adding that, “While fencing you are basically in a squatting position the whole time while moving dynamically… It’s also great for abs. When you are changing directions, your core is getting worked to maintain your body’s balance.” Plus, for you calorie counters, fencing burns about 800 calories per hour and your heart rate is generally above 180.

Checking out Tim’s toned body; I had to think he’s doing something right! So, I began my fencing adventure. The first step: I had to put on this straight jacket (I was offered a plastic boob plate for protection – but politely declined – after all, I already felt kind of silly).

Tim taught me the basic moves. The first is the en garde stance. This is the basic position (a phrase you hear before a duel begins). “En garde basically means ready position,” explains Tim. “Your front leg is turned out 90 degrees, your back leg and your legs are spread a foot apart with knees bent.” Your dominant hand is held out in front of you.

Then, begins the dance of fencing. From the en garde position, you advance, front toe first, and then retreat, picking up your back foot. These movements are done in response to your opponent’s movements. It’s important to try and keep a foot distance from your opponent. Also, there’s the lunge, when you thrust your body forward and your arms shoot out with your sword to strike your opponent. Let’s just say, all this movement is an excellent lower body workout.

It’s a mental workout – some compare it to a mental game of chess. “You must be always thinking of what your opponent is trying to do and how you will have to counter what they’re doing,” Tim also reveals, “No matter what is happening in your life, once the mask goes down and you face-off against your opponent that becomes the only thing that matters.”

Next, Tim challenged me to a duel. I put on the silver mesh mask (talk about feeling ridiculous) and was given a single leather to go on my dominant hand and then I was handed my weapon (aka a saber). There’s no danger of bloodshed. The points of the swords are blunt and hooked up to an electronic device to score hits. Tim challenged me to first to 5 wins and gave me a 3 point lead – excuse me! Don’t worry my friend, I showed this Olympian and beat him 5 – 2. Touché!

Yet, Tim didn’t break a sweat and was I dripping and barely able to catch my breath! Tim wants everyone to know Fencing is a fast-moving sport and can be done by people of all ages, adding, “A lot of kids are falling in love with it. What kid doesn’t enjoy playing with swords?” And, as a single female looking for a new adventure, I have a feeling fencing class might be great way to meet guys… I am just saying!

Today, Wednesday the 17th, is the biggest non-Olympic fencing tournament ever, held by the Fencing Masters NYC (www.fencingmastersnyc.com).

Check it out if you can! If you want to learn more about Tim and fencing go to www.timmorehouse.com. We’ll be sure to see him in the 2012 Olympics.