Fencing Calories Burned Calculator
Measure the energy expenditure of this elegant combat sport.
Training Details
Burn Statistics
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How Many Calories Does Fencing Burn?
A 30-minute competitive fencing bout burns approximately 295-370 calories. The constant explosive lunges, rapid directional changes, and mental focus make fencing a unique blend of physical and strategic demands.
Fencing is often called "physical chess" due to its strategic nature, but make no mistake—it's an intensely physical sport. Every lunge, advance, and retreat requires explosive leg power. The constant en garde position builds isometric leg and core strength, while the need to react instantaneously to opponent's movements creates significant cardiovascular demand.
Our calculator uses 2024 Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) indices. Fencing intensity ranges from MET 4.0 for footwork drills to MET 10.0 for Olympic-level competition. Competitive fencing (MET 8.0) matches the intensity of tennis or basketball games.
Factors Influencing Fencing Calorie Burn
Weapon Type
Épée requires more defensive movement and longer bouts, while sabre features explosive, fast-paced exchanges.
Bout Length
Tournament fencing with back-to-back bouts creates extreme fatigue, increasing relative energy expenditure.
Offensive vs. Defensive
Aggressive fencers who constantly attack burn more calories than defensive counter-attackers.
Competition Level
Elite fencers maintain higher intensity due to superior conditioning and faster decision-making under pressure.
Fencing Burn Projections
Calories by Training/Bout Length (70 kg / 154 lbs)
| Duration | Practice (4.0) | Moderate (6.0) | Comp (8.0) | Elite (10.0) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 74 | 110 | 147 | 184 |
| 30 min | 147 | 221 | 294 | 368 |
| 45 min | 221 | 331 | 441 | 551 |
| 60 min | 294 | 441 | 588 | 735 |
| 90 min | 441 | 662 | 882 | 1103 |
Calories by Your Weight (30 min Competitive Fencing)
Fencing vs. Other Activities (30 min, 70 kg)
| 🤺Fencing (Competitive) | 294 cal |
| 🎾Tennis (Singles) | 294 cal |
| 🏀Basketball (Game) | 294 cal |
| 🥊Boxing (Bagwork) | 294 cal |
| 🏃Running (6 mph) | 368 cal |
| 🎾Squash | 441 cal |
Data source: 2024 Revised Compendium of Physical Activities.
Fencing FAQ
Standardized & Verified By
Manish KumarCertified Fitness Professional (NASM) • Combat Sports Specialist • Expert in fencing conditioning and strategic training with 10+ years experience.