Components of Fitness Needed for Fencing

• Fitness and fencing go hand-in-hand. Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images

  While at first glance fencing can appear to be a fairly inactive martial art, in reality it is an intense and physically tiring sport characterized by the use of a sword to gain points on your opponent. There are three different weapon choices. You can fence with a foil, a sabre or an epee -- but while the rules of each combat style differ, the components of fitness are roughly the same.

Aerobics

• Because of the quick movements necessary to fencing, it's easy to become out of breath quickly during a match. Couple this with the fact that fencing safety gear can be quite heavy and stifling and the importance of physical fitness becomes obvious. Aerobic exercises aid with breathing and exhaustion.

Strength

• Though the fencing sword, be it foil, epee or sabre is usually light, it can be physically demanding to hold anything in the air for a long period of time -- especially when maintaining form is crucial. This puts strain on the muscles of the arm, shoulder and back. Fencers must also maintain a semi-crouched stance that works the muscles of the legs and core.

Coordination

• In order to guide one's sword effectively enough to score a point on one's opponent, the fencer must be coordinated enough to control his sword with ease and dexterity. Coordination can mean the difference between a point for you, a miss or an opening for your opponent. The most experienced fencers know the weapon is an extension of their arm.

Reflexes

• Fencers, like all martial artists, must be able to anticipate the moves of their opponents, and then act on an opportunity at full speed. Sometimes openings only last for a second -- and a skilled fencer must be able to seize the moment and take full advantage of them.