Surrey Homes | SH63 | January 2020 | Travel & Wellbeing supplement inside

SH Travel & Wellbeing Supplement
fencing
We talk to Nick Payne from SWORDFIGHTING
INTERNATIONAL about the joys of fencing
Do you need any special equipment and what
should you wear to your first session? All equipment
is provided (foils, glove, masks, jacket and under
plastron). For the first session you just need to
wear loose clothing and trainers. Bring a bottle of
water, and a spare T-shirt as it can get quite hot.
What are the wellbeing benefits of fencing? Fencing
has the following dual/duel health benefits:
Endurance and conditioning – get your heart pumping.
Co-ordination and balance – develop and maintain
manual dexterity.
Flexibility and suppleness – fencing specific stretching and
footwork to music.
Strength and plyometric training – build explosive power.
Mental and physical training – develop
concentration as moves become more advanced.
Strategy and tactics – learn how to second guess
your adversary and change tactics when needed.
How would you encourage someone who feels nervous
about attending their first session? If anyone is feeling
nervous they will soon feel at ease once they are introduced
to their fellow beginners and get started. The friendly
instructor will show the three swords used in Olympic
Fencing and explain how safe they are (not sharp at all)
and all the safety equipment (including Kevlar the material
used in bullet-proof jackets). However if they want to
bring a friend that is an ideal way of reducing any anxiety!
Do you have to be competitive to enjoy fencing?
Many people just fence for fun, to meet new, interesting
people and for the challenge of trying to outwit
your opponent. Those who want to can take part in
competitions and we often have a fencing ‘poule’ where
results are logged, so you can see progress over time.
We have a number of high level Junior fencers who
have won the Surrey Championships and represented
England and Great Britain. Also many have gone on
to take coaching courses and now coach the younger
members or represent their teams at university.
When does your next course start? The next course
starts on Wednesday 22 January and runs for 10 weeks.
I also run Silver Sabres Surrey for LED sabre skills.
swordfightinginternational.com
Fitness, Dance & Tennis
Morag McLaren Baxter of BODY TONIC LUXURY
FITNESS RETREAT tells us about their fitness, dance
and tennis getaways in an opulent French chateau
What inspired the Body Tonic Luxury Fitness Retreat?
I have always been a huge fan of sport and exercise and
believe that fitness can keep us healthy, happy and more able
to cope with our demanding lives. I wanted to share these
important benefits with my guests. I had worked in diabetes
research and management for many years and also wanted
to use my understanding of healthy eating and wellbeing.
Could you briefly describe what you offer? Our fitness,
tennis and dance retreats provide guests with luxurious
and sophisticated chateau accommodation – a welcoming
environment, set in a stunning area in the south of France
in which to participate in very active wellbeing programs.
Groups are small and intimate and our experienced
coaches allow guests to work hard whilst enjoying gourmet
meals, quality wines and glamorous evening enterainment.
The salsa retreat caters for dancers of all levels.
What are the wellbeing benefits of your courses? We
offer a challenging and fun program of activity intended
to work all muscle groups, six hours of varied exercise
daily plus evening dance classes. Stretching is included in
the program and our trainers offer personalised support.
Guests will improve fitness level, core strength, stamina and
can select a weight loss program if desired. Very healthy
gourmet meals are provided and bedrooms are extremely
calm and comfortable allowing quality rest and sleep.
Guests also benefit from the stunning scenery, coastal
treks and beach fitness – great for wellbeing and a sense of
contentment. Massage is available and the beautiful pool
is heated. Visitors always leave feeling fitter, strong, relaxed
and glowing, with new friends and skills acquired.
Tell us about the location and accomodation. Guests
stay at Chateau Lou Casteou, a beautiful home which
has been fully renovated to a high standard of luxury and
comfort. We are situated in the Esterel national park, just
five minutes from sandy beaches and the Mediterranean.
Visitors enjoy sea views and stunning Provencale scenery.
Many sessions are conducted in the gardens and historic
cloisters of the chateau and in the national park itself.
loucasteou.com
surrey-homes.co.uk