Have you ever wondered just how physically taxing a sport like épée fencing truly is? In this episode, we delve into the crucial elements that define an épée fencer's athletic load, drawing insights from Michel Sicard's analysis of the competition situation. We'll break down the two key components: external load, which examines the actual fighting time during a competition, revealing surprising statistics about the intermittent nature of épée bouts. Learn how fencers might spend up to 180 minutes in actual combat during an entire competition despite individual bouts lasting only moments at a time.

Then, we'll explore the internal load, uncovering the intensity of these combat situations. Discover the physiological demands, including typical heart rate ranges and VO2 max percentages experienced by épée fencers. We'll also discuss the fascinating findings on lactate levels, contrasting initial research with more recent studies on younger athletes .... Importantly, we'll go beyond just physical metrics to understand how attentional, emotional, tactical-strategic, muscular, and neuromuscular factors all contribute to the overall athletic burden. Whether you're a seasoned fencer, a curious sports enthusiast, or a coach looking to optimize training, this episode provides a comprehensive look into the demanding physical reality of épée fencing.

Sicard Publication: https://www.calameo.com/books/006243446ba168d9ffc7b

Fencing Family ETSY Shop: https://fencingfamily.etsy.com/