THE BENEFITS OF OPEN-SKILL SPORTS WANT TO IMPROVE BRAIN HEALTH? GRAB A SWORD!
Did you know fencing is making a comeback? No longer just for
activities defined as “open-skill sports,” like fencing, can do more to improve brain health than “closed-skill sports.” Open or Closed? The difference between an open-skill sport and a closed-skill sport lies in the dynamic nature of the activity. Going for a jog is great for your heart health, but your body is doing the same thing during the entire workout. This makes it a closed- skill sport. The same goes for swimming; you might have different strokes to choose from when you jump in the pool, but your brain is focused on repeating the action while doing your laps. Open-skill sports require players to respond to unpredictable circumstances in unpredictable ways. Fencing is a great open-skill sport because, while you have to learn the right way to hold the saber and move your body, you also have to
think on your feet and react quickly to your opponent’s attacks.
heartsick gentlemen of the Regency era, fencing is increasingly being taught in public schools, displayed in the pages of popular indie comics, and practiced among seniors. Plenty of
Researchers from the Foro Italico University of Rome believe that it’s the required adaptability that makes open-skill sports so good for your brain. You challenge your body with complex motor movements and your mind with fast decisions. In the study from PSE, the researchers reported that “the open-skill athletes used less brainpower to do the same thing than the closed-skill exercisers did.” What’s the Best Open-Skill Sport? If fencing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other great open-skill sports, including tennis, badminton, basketball, and racquetball. What are you waiting for? Swing by your local rec center and find out what open-skill sport will be your new favorite pastime!
baby boomers are picking up swords, or
“sabers” — and it’s not because they’re preparing to
fight dragons. Exercise is important no matter your age, but some activities are more beneficial than others. Research published in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise (PSE) suggests
ROBIN’S RECOMMENDATIONS Have You Heard About the Sing Out Loud Festival?
We are fortunate to live in an area where so many awesome things are happening all the time. Some of these great events are widely promoted, and then there are those many hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. For example, something I am really looking forward to is the upcoming Sing Out Loud Festival. Scheduled for the first three weekends in September 2018, SOLF is a massive music festival held in our beautiful neighboring city of Saint Augustine, Florida. There will be more than 100 local bands and artists playing alongside world-famous acts. Personally, I am super excited to see The Decemberists, an American indie rock band. The festival features a wide selection of musical talents and genres, from modern folk and Americana to hardcore punk. Each weekend, dozens of bands perform at different venues across Saint Augustine, so not only could you find your new favorite band, you might also find a great new place to hang out. Last year’s Sing Out Loud Festival was canceled due to Hurricane Irma, so fingers are crossed for clear skies this year. All the festival performances are free to the public, except for the September 22, 2018 showcase featuring Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, The Decemberists, and Lucero at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. As the only ticketed event of SOLF, this show is a benefit concert for the Betty Griffin Center of St. Johns County,
with proceeds donated to helping end domestic violence and sexual abuse in our local community.
The Sing Out Loud Festival is awesome for many reasons. Not only is it a lot of fun, but it’s also a wonderful event that celebrates our community and supports local artists. Plus, since most of the shows are free to attend, it’s a great opportunity for everyone to gather together and enjoy some great music.
You can check out the full schedule and find venue locations at singoutloudfestival.com. I hope to see you there!
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2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! Jacksonville & Fleming Island
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