Also, it is a martial art, and it tickles me when you’ve executed a slow graceful move, that turns out, when sped up, is intended to be you grabbing someone by the hair, pulling them across your body, and kneeing them in the chin. Obviously I’m easily amused.

Also, the constant movement aspect of it appeals to me, rather than the more static (depending on style) yoga poses. And you truly find all shapes, sizes and ages in a tai chi class.

If so I used to hate it as I felt like I was overextending and twisting (didn’t help my back) all the time but my trainer encouraged me to just drop my arms to my sides and use my core muscles to stay upright while using it. I now really like it.

I’m also a pilates fan. It’s been great for keeping sciatica at bay.

I’m a fat girl who fences too! I’m 22 and I’ve been doing it since school. I LOVE it. All my non-fencing friends think I’m a nutball, I’m always covered in bruises and do get the occasional small cut (Epee can be brutal, pull up your socks, kids)

I love my coach, who is also a good friend. The environment at my club is really great. Sometimes I get teased coz I’m lazy and don’t move much, but its usually because my defences are so good that they want me moving to hit me. One boy teased me about being fat – I then teased him back for being skinny and didn’t make a fuss of it – its never become an issue. I sometimes help coach the kids and they respect me regardless of my size, which I think is good for them and for me.

I have to admit some people don’t take me seriously at competitions – my defences are awesome, but my attacks are slow, making it hard to score points, and I’m a sitting duck for good fencers. Sometimes I don’t get picked for teams because I’m not as well rounded as the other fencers, need to get more mobile and aggressive!

The last competition I was at, it was open (no junior or senior events) and the oldest competitor was in her 50s, the youngest probably in the teens, there were tubby people, bulky people, wiry people, smart people, weird people, olympians, binge drinkers, and the chess club. Fencing truly caters for all sorts, if you’re willing to use your mind! The most important aspect of the club is most likely the head coach though. If he/she likes you and respects you, most of the others will follow.

Plus, poking people with sticks is fun!

It’s absolutely wonderful for body awareness — especially if you’re into preventing/handling an attack! — and the lack of sparring means that you always work from where you are physically. You partner up to practice a technique, which means an atmosphere where no one’s going to mess with your bum shoulder.

…Mmmm…. soft pretzels…

There’s so many things I want to do. I wanted to start bike riding so I could use it to get to work, but since I never learned as a child, it feels foolish to be this old and still not know how. I want to start a martial art, particularly Kendo, but it requires lots of equipment and I’m not allowed to keep weapons in my house, and I’d have to hide it from my family.

I used to only focus on my flaws and less than perfect whatever. But now after exercising for four years I find a real joy in my body. And a real appreciation as well. :)

love this thread, it makes me so happy to know there are other women out there kind of like me. :)

Another activity (If you prefer to aviod the kids or just don’t like kick ball) is dodge ball. (Yes, every Jr. High school bully’s favorite sport!) It is great fun to play dodge ball with a few friends. It is also great anger management, so get your boss to join you!! LOL!