Cross training for fencing

[Pacific]

I keep hearing that the best excercise for fencing is fencing. And i agree completely. But what about other excercises? I'm sure that world champions do not fence exclusively...otherwise they'd die from overuse injuries! What other sports can complement a fencer's training regime?

[Inquartata]

Raquetball and volleyball have gotten recommendations when this came up in the past...

[Pacific]

any single player sports? does swimming help? what about running or cycling?

[Inquartata]

Well, things like that are going to help with your conditioning, but not specifically with fencing. Raquetball and volleyball give you the same rapid changes in direction, equilibrium changes, jumping, stretching, etc. that fencing does.

Raquetball can be played alone, but it's true that it's not much fun that way...

If you're looking for just activities that will work on one or a few aspects of your conditioning, and not sports specifically, there are a lot of choices. Jumping rope, shadow boxing, bicycling, running,
swimming, etc. Some swear by pliometrics....

[135711]

an instructor i know kept in good condition, fencing and instructing for many years fencing all three weapons, both hands, running and batmitton. speaking of cross trainng, i just came in from a 3 mile walk. the muscles that you use in walking briskly, is different from running, i thought it was really good.

[Pacific]

both hands? he must have been devasting on the pist and the court!

[Mr.Piccolo22]

The cross training I do (or did) was weight training and swimming. Since fencing is hard on the knees and other joints I wanted something that was low imact, hence swimming. With the weight training I would build strength in my muscles. Just remember not to neglect your upper body. One more, though I never did this, you might want to add yoga to your cross training. I hope that helps.

[Spanky McFarland]

I've recently taken up Yoga, and I can vouch for its usefulness. A big problem I had (and I think other fencers suffer from this also) is that I was too tense on the piste. Now I find I can identify the tension and remove it before it restricts my movements and slows down my reaction times. I am also more flexible.

On top of this, I am doing a weights programme to help with muscle fatigue, running, swimming and rowing (on the machine). All of these have contributed to a marked increase in fitness, flexibility, strength and stamina, meaning that I no longer get tired during bouts, and can stay focused on the task in hand.

Pity my technique is so bad!

[Mr.Piccolo22]

Spanky,
So, have your movements become more fluid than before you took the yoga class? As for becoming tight on the piste, I cause myself to become so tight that I cannot parry repost as quickly as I would like to. *Thinking back* (I know I am quicker than the one guy at my club who suposed to be fastest.) Now, I just have to find a class and get to work. Thanks for confirming my thinking.

[Gav]

Mr Piccolo (interesting name btw). You don't need to do Yoga to release the tension in your sword arm just cultivate some good habits. Try not to over commit, don't lock your arm rigidly. If you find that your shoulder is tiring a lot, or that you have pain in any part of your arm, try not to worry and look at the technique that your using.

The problem that I have, and the benenfits that yoga could impart, is flexibility. [As far as I know] Yoga is a good stretching regime, practise it regularly and you will gain a large benefit from your flexibility. I met a contortionist at a circus recently (and before anyone asks no there were no animals invlolved) and he had only been doing Yoga for 3 years and it had given him the flexibility to join a circus.

[Mr.Piccolo22]

Spanky,
So, have your movements become more fluid than before you took the yoga class? As for becoming tight on the piste, I cause myself to become so tight that I cannot parry repost as quickly as I would like to. *Thinking back* (I know I am quicker than the one guy at my club who suposed to be fastest.) Now, I just have to find a class and get to work. Thanks for confirming my thinking.

[135711]

Originally posted by Pacific
both hands? he must have been devasting on the pist and the court!

I don't know, I think he was just "okay".

[haggis]

Flexibility is very important. Whether you practice yoga or use more traditional stretching exercises (dynamic and stationary) is up to the individual.

Skipping is excellent exercise for fencing. A good cardiovascular excercise, requiring some coordination and with a light plyometric element. Also it doesn't require an opponent/partner, the equipment's cheap and lo-tech and it doesn't require much space. Very good.

A fitness program that contains both cardiovascular and resistance (or weight) training is a good idea but is time-consuming and can be a bit boring. The truly dedicated will find or make time for it because of the benefits but for the recreational fencer, more fencing will probably be of more benefit.

Swimming's good cv exercise and your weight is supported so excellent for fencers suffering from injuries or prone to aches and pains from their high impact sport.

Squash and badminton, I think, are good sports for fencers. The movement around court in both is quite similar to fencing, requiring good balance, sudden changes of direction and explosive movement towards the target (ball or shuttlecock).

Just my $0.02.

Haggis

[Spanky McFarland]

Piccolo,

I would say my movements have become more fluid since doing Yoga. Also, I have found my concentration on the piste has improved. All in all, I feel physically and mentally looser and more in control.

[Mr.Piccolo22]

Spanky,
Thanks for confirming my thoughts about yoga and fencing. Now I just have find a class and do it.

Gav,
Thanks for your advice. I tend not to over commit my attacks that often (though I am guilty of doing it). As for the tension, its not limited to my sword arm. I get tense before every bout. Hence me loosing my quickness. I will also take a look at me techneque as well. Oh, and thanks for the complement on the name. One more thing, I always wanted to be in the circus, now I know how to get in one! Yoga for three year!! WOO HOO!

As for weight traing, I used to play football (soccer for Americans, like me), I would think the to weight training programs would be benifit either sport since both rely on the lower half to carry them through the match. Opinions on that or does anyone have a weight lifting program they like to share?

[geronimojox]

i went wall climbing the other day and man that really works all your muscles a total body work out for sure and if you want to strengthen your fencing arm go tenpin bowling try to incorporate as many fun things in your training program as possible i personally prefer cycling its great for your legs and is an excellent form of cardiovascular training. also do things that dont require that much equipment and that you can do yourself like push ups squats etc.

hope this helps.

geronimojox