Interested in... fencing?!

Would you like your fitness programme to be more exciting than lifting weights in the gym to the sound of last year's pop? More sociable then jogging around the park or being attached to the pilates machine in a health club?.. Perhaps it's time to become a victim of the latest fashion and to join a fencing class!

Fencing provides a unique mix of physical, intellectual and emotional stimulation. Unlike many other sports it's very sociable and still carries notions of honour, chivalry and nobility. Many of history's most famous names have embraced the art. Caravaggio and Voltaire, Byron and Marx, Churchill and recently Madonna all visited the fencing salle or took private lessons.

Today our language and customs still resonate with echoes of past swordplay. We reply smartly with a witty riposte, shake hands to show that we are not reaching for a weapon, and a gentleman's coat buttons left over right so a duellist can unbutton it with his left hand.

Improved coordination, concentration, endurance and cardiovascular fitness - these are just a few of the health benefits provided by regular fencing. It is also a solid workout. You can burn up to 450 calories an hour: you'll never burn this amount in a dance class, or zumba, or aerobics. In particular the stomach and the lower body muscles get a good work out. Firm strong thighs and butt are probably the most typical features of a dedicated fencer!

There are about 10,000 fencers in Britain, almost half of whom are women. Fencing, indeed, is the ideal sport for a woman. It is an activity which is more tactical than physical. It requires flexibility and balance rather than brute force, resulting in elegance, courtesy and quality of the relations between the fencers. You don't need to be big or strong to fight - in fact, it can work against you - but you do need fast reflexes, good co-ordination, timing, intuition and a great sense of anticipation.

Another attractive feature of fencing is its powerful romantic appeal...