It’s easy to look around at the experiences of your friends or listen to the discouraging stories in the news and think losing weight is nearly impossible.  It is true that the real challenge in weight loss is keeping it off, and that long term weight loss can be difficult. There is also the argument that your genetics are the overriding factor in your body size, so if you have “bad” genes, why bother with trying to lose weight?   Forget these discouraging thoughts, and look around. People are indeed losing weight and staying fit, whether they did it by hiring a trainer or taking part in a new and exciting sport like fencing. The real keys to winning are applying hard work and maintaining a positive and dedicated attitude.

Kick starting a fitness regimen and getting your metabolism revving up is often achieved by trying out something new.  Sometimes we get caught up in outdated ways of thinking about fitness when implementing a new routine. But think creatively!   Consider the sport of fencing, for example.  Fencing is a sport with a fascinating history dating back centuries. There is a real mystique about it that captures the imagination. All that is needed to get started is the appropriate fencing equipment and an instructor or class to teach you the basics of the sport. To prevent injury, it is vital to always wear the recommended fencing gear.  Fencing is a great sport for physical fitness because it uses large major muscle groups and also is a good cardiovascular workout.   Before assuming you need to attend an aerobics class, give fencing a look.

The National Weight Control Registry was started in 1993 to evaluate those who’ve lost weight and successfully kept it off.   In order to qualify, one needed to lose at least 30 pounds and keep that weight off in excess of one year. The registry goal was to find the common threads in their weight loss stories to determine the components that make up a good weight loss plan. One of the several common components was a consistent and interesting fitness routine.   Whether working out in a conventional sense or trying out a new sport, finding something that sparks your interest is key. Fencing is an example of a sport that is both interesting and thrilling enough to keep you enthralled and coming back.