Holiday Training

[Rapier_wit]

I've managed to get myself stuck at home, yet again for the holidays and as such have absolutely no exposure to fencing equipment or training of any sort. I even tried saving up my money to attend a local fencing academy, but those funds got quickly eaten up. So in other words, do you guys have any training techniques that I could do to keep up my fencing skills over the winterbreak? (note: I don't have much floorspace to work with)

[Crimsonflames]

i seriously suggest finding a friend or two to practice with. it gets boring to keep urself in training while your alone. with a friend you can help each other and keep yourself going.

[Go? Fencing?]

I'd suggest, and I'm sure JackofHearts will second me on this, practicing parries and such with a pencil/other sticklike obect.

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

Nobody to practice with? No funds? I guess that means you can't hire a gigolo. You'll have to do it the old fashion way: with your hands.

Hit the weights, maggot.

[HDG]

1. Did you ask Santa for fencing equipment?
2. Run.
3. 150 lunges a day.

[keropie]

Yeah, I think general conditioning will be the way to go... it won't be very easy to do any meaningful fencing specific stuff, and your brain can use a break from that stuff every now and then, anyhow. You can always run (well, until the snow gets too deep), and I enjoy basketball myself... or weights (though I hate those things ><). Eh, you get the idea...

[Duellist USA]

Dang...now that hurts even me...Tell ya what I'll do...drop me an email with what weapon...and Ill make ya what I made myself...I took an old sabre guard...pad...and handle...broke a 1999 blade about 9 inches long...put it all back togather and in my 2 hour a day commute....work on handwork...training the muscles....should see some of the looks I get...but Im sure I have enough old parts and broke blades around I can donate something similar to at least keep ya occupied... It may take a couple of days...Im headed to Pittsburgh but when I get back...

Rick Shellhouse
Duellist USA

[jrgunn]

My solution was light hand weights (they're cheap). Oh, and basic floor exercises (you know, sit-ups, push-ups, etc). Boring, yea..but it will keep you in better shape than doing nothing.
Parry and lunge exercise with a stick (free at a local park), appropriately shaped, of course.

[Rapier_wit]

Unfortunately I haven't been doing too well as far as the exercise goes. (I'm one of those lazy bums who has to get out of the house in order to workout. Yes, pathetic, I know) I've also started working a new job, so I can't get too involved with anything at the moment. But I've gotten a hold of some tennis/stress balls and am doing some hand strengthening exercises. (I also need that to help with my piano. My hands aren't as fluid as they once were)

Crimson - Unfortunately all of my friends are about an hour away. That and the fact that some of the people in my fencing club are not too happy with my right now...

DFP - Yeah, no chippendales here. I've got a couple of whimpy dumbells downstairs I'm using, but I'm not really feeling much of a difference quite yet. How long does it usually take for results to show?

HDG - 1.) Asked the parents, unfortunately we have roughyl a $100 Christmas budget for each person. So no, no fencing gear this year. *sigh*
2.) Yeah, I should probably do that. I just hate going out in the cold.
3.) Check.

Duellist - Well thank you so very much. I really do appreciate it. I think I've gone and checked out just about every fencing book there is in my library system to practice over the break, alas, I have not a sword, nor a stick to practice with! So again, that would help tons. (And in honour of you, I'll put some BOND on while I'm practicing )

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

DFP - Yeah, no chippendales here. I've got a couple of whimpy dumbells downstairs I'm using, but I'm not really feeling much of a difference quite yet. How long does it usually take for results to show?

Are you lifting to your full capacity? Get a weight that is impossible to lift more than 8 reps.