The obesity epidemic is raging in the U.S. and catching up in countries around the world. It is entirely appropriate that individuals, academics, and the government would start taking a serious look at how to promote healthy lifestyles.   Sophisticated farming techniques and advanced irrigation produced a lot of cheap and readily available food.  This is both good and bad, as is clear from the many people eating themselves, literally, to death. Our goal should not be to emulate the examples of Hollywood actors and their hard-rock abs; they have expensive trainers and cooks at their beck and call.  A reasonable goal is to review the health charts and plot a path to getting into the healthy range using diet and physical fitness as components of the plan. By trying out a new sport, such as fencing, you can lose weight while thrilling to the excitement of a new sport.

Fencing gear is not difficult to come by. Buying from a reputable dealer online means you get great fencing equipment regardless of your physical location. Fencing, however, is a sport you’re well advised to learn from a pro.   Search online or in your local phone book to find clubs or individual instructors who can teach you the basics.   Even better, get a friend to join with you so you’ll have someone to practice with and with whom you can share your new skills. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have anyone to join you; you can meet friends in your class or at future competitions.

The world is full of opinions as to the right way to lose weight. Tune out the fad diets and muddled advice and remember this:  eating sensibly and integrating physical fitness are the foundation of your weight loss.  A sensible diet combining protein, complex carbohydrates and plenty of water is a great starting point.   A physical fitness routine including something that thrills and excites you is your second building block.   After all, if you don’t enjoy your physical fitness routine, how are you to maintain it? A look at the denizens of your local gym will tell you all you need to know.  Look at their faces – some are bored and pained, which means the gym really isn’t for everyone.  If you’re one of those people, try something exciting – something like fencing – to gin up your excitement and get your energized about your workout routine.