how often do you train ?

[ArcherUK]

twice a week ?

[Inquartata]

As in practice? ( Training can encompass other things, like conditioning. )

Twice a week if I'm lucky. More often once a week...but then it's usually for about 5 hours.

[rory]

I'm only fencing once a week, as it's an hour's drive to my club. There's a new club starting near me so that should soon be twice a week though.

I do running, stretching and footwork every weekday morning, followed by cycling to work. Plus a long run once a week, at least one weights session and whatever competitions are on at the weekend.

[Victor]

I train with every breath I take. Sometimes I try to not breathe just so I can take a break, but the I turn blue and pass out, and it's back to training again.

[Rolls]

I have a new training schedule that's working really well for me.

On Tuesdays, I do group classes. Thursdays, I have free fencing and a private lesson. Then, Saturdays I get an in depth private lesson/training.

Also, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I have an at home work-out that includes target work, blade drills (I have a fencing dummy), and exercice (mainly push-ups and sit-ups, but I want to add jump roping).

This is the first fairly intensive schedule that I have actually enjoyed. I have been doing the full schedule (it was an evolutionary process) for about a month and a half. So, it seems to be paying off well.

Rolls.

[ArcherUK]

light weights are the best aren't they ?

I have a swiss ball to use for toning work and have ordered a footwork dvd to try at home too. I'm actively looking around for private coaches also as my local salle only train once a week, there is epee classes but i dont want to run before i can walk.

[sabreman]

When I was 35 and under 4 to 5 times a week plus conditioning on the side. Now I am lucky if I make it to the club 2 times a week and my body and fencing show it.

[sabreur]

I fence twice a week.

I lift weights and do thirty minutes of aerobic work (generally on a elliptical machine) twice a week.

I play racketball twice a week.

I do footwork and skip rope for about an hour twice a week.

I do an hour of aerobic work (30 minutes on the Nordic Trak and 30 minutes on the elliptical) twice a week.

Somedays, I work out twice.....

[jeff]

When I was competing, I would fence 2 or 3 times per week, 3-4 hours each time. Now I do once or twice a week, with much lighter workouts.

[ArcherUK]

should i definately leave a days rest between training sessions for recovery purposes ?

[jeff]

That will depend on your conditioning. If you're still sore the next day, then plan to skip a day between workouts that work the same muscle groups. Either take the day off, or cross-train working different things. For example, if your legs are sore from fencing working, you can use the next day for rest, or to do cardio workouts, swimming, or weight work.

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

I fence three days a week, and the days that I'm not fencing, and hour of footwork/point control/ solo drills. Every other day pushups/situps/chinups/calf raises/squats/light weights. On the days where its not about strength, I run two miles. Push your body to its limits, because when you do, you discover that you dont have any.

[sabreman]

I would say that it gets tough after a certain age (around 35 for me) to fence more then a couple times a week. Of course I over do it when I do go (considering my lack of competition level condition) but I think that is not uncommon for many over the hill men sabre fencers.

[ArcherUK]

thanks for the advice, you dont know how much i appreciate it..I have been out of shape for so long and need as much as i can get.
I have a friendly competition at a BBQ in a month for experience but dont want to embarrass myself too much...even though im not up against any adults I know those kids are quick.

[glowstix]

personally i'd love to fence every day but i'm limited to twice per week.

[AllisonT]

I fence at least once/week at the local club for 3 hours. Young children at home and a full-time job make it tough to get away more than that. I have been taking the club's conditioning and footwork class, but I am so out of condition that high school kids are kicking my ! Every week I stay in class a little longer, but it will be a tough road without extra conditioning workouts at home.

[Islander]

I have free fencing 2-3 times per week plus one group training per week. In addition, one to two lessons. Sometimes a little pair exercise. All this amounts to about 4-5 days a week. I do footwork quite regularly and conditioning when I feel like it (VERY irregularly).

Quite a lot of training, come to think about it. But if you love fencing, what other options do you have?

[Army Fencer]

Four nights of practice a week. Each from 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Lessons two of those nights. One additional night occasionally on Fridays for extra conditioning.

I also run about three times a week. Sometimes more, if I feel motivated and school isn't too rough.

Local tournaments (aka practice for NACs, WCs), about two out of four weekends in a month.

[Katman]

During the summer I fence three times a week, plus my other work out (excluding tournaments).
During the fall and spring semesters I fence twice a week at a different club. If you include the beginner's class I help instruct, then I fence four nights a week.

[ShadowHuntr]

3 times a week about 3-4 hours a day