Anyone ever tried fencing as a sport?

[tracyk]

There's a local club at the end of my street that does fencing.
I've always fancied it - but am a bit shy about trying completely new sports.
Anyone tried it? Is it good cardio or toning? What footwear do you need for it?

Do you live in my street by any chance, tracyk? I haven't tried it but DH has just taken it up again, having previously done fencing at school. He wears ordinary trainers, I think. I'm not sure that it's particularly good cardio or toning but it's fun, so I'm told (so good for your mental health ).

The club will probably have equipment for new members to borrow. I gather women wear nork protectors, either in Madonna cone or Boudicca breast plate form.

Go on, why not give it a go?

I did some in college, but not at all seriously. If I remember the positioning correctly, it would be a serious workout for the legs/thighs/etc. and whichever arm is holding the foil. Not much cardio, but some clubs might have exercises which work that in one way or another. It was kind of fun, but I didn't like the buzzers and bells and all the equipment seemed a bit much. I've been doing aikido for years, and there's a fencing club in the same building as the club where I practice. It looks like fun, but I'm well settled into aikido and that's more than enough for me at the moment.

I used to be a fencer - I competed.

I loved it - it is a very physical sport - you will work up a sweat and use muscles (although mainly legs & 1 arm). I wish there were a club near me.

aikigypsy mentioned the bells and buzzers but at a beginner/ non-competitive level, that shouldn't be an issue - the exercises and bouts will not require you to be wired up.

Normal trainers are fine, with tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt.

Why not pop along to your local club and watch a session or two before committing? Most clubs love new members and would be happy to have you watch.

If you need any info, try googling the AFA (amateur fencing association)

Have fun!