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When we think of knights, we automatically picture great warriors having the ultimate strength.
The history of weaponry and fighting during the Medieval Ages and the Renaissance has been extensively written on; new translations, books, essays, and blogs are added every year. However, the topic of how medieval knights and fencers trained is still largely unexplored, particularly in terms of physical strength and fitness.
There is a hazy consensus that these groups worked out their body by swiveling huge weapons, hauling around big, heavy things, and throwing stones. Let’s have a closer look at how did knights train physically.
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What did Knights Do to Gain Strength?
A knight's life required constant physical and mental training. That gave rise to the medieval chivalric era, which lasted from 600 AD to the 16th century when knights began to disappear. The late Roman Empire, which trained its legionaries similarly, is largely responsible for the training regimen used by medieval knights.
Despite the fact that knights were simply those who could afford the best horses, armor, and weapons, becoming a knight was not always easy. Seven years was the starting age for knight training, and it took 14 years for them to prepare for combat.
Potential knights would first work as pages, doing errands and serving their lord while learning the skills necessary to advance to the rank of squire and perform other knightly responsibilities.
Here are five ways how did knights train physically:
1) Physical training in armor
Regular practice of physical training while wearing armor was one of the key ways that medieval knights kept in shape and gained strength.
Contrary to common opinion, historians' analysis of primary source material shows that knights can move quickly and easily while wearing armor. This quickness was made possible by the requirement that knights exercise frequently in activities like swimming, sprinting, diving, climbing, and jumping while donning full armor starting at age 15.
The athletic training medieval knights underwent before donning their armor resulted in their incredible strength, as their armor weighed up to 50 lbs. in the current era, a medieval knight would resemble a professional weightlifter.
2) Continuous training with sports
Training in combat sports like riding, fencing, and wrestling was one of the key ways medieval knights would gain strength and remain in shape.
There have been numerous instances of knights sparring with one another to hone their fighting skills and supplement their strength training.
The nature of these friendly conflicts among knights is described by innumerable medieval legends, including King Arthur. The Knights' combat skills were just being practiced in these duels to ensure their readiness.
3) Wrestling
For Knights, wrestling was a necessary form of exercise and training to gain strength. They would be required to be prepared to fight their opponent on the ground during a battle.
They would wrestle while wearing full armor to practice for this as well. They would have to train while carrying between 30 and 50 pounds, covering the whole of their body.
This was an excellent way for them to develop their ground fighting skills, aerobic fitness, and muscle mass.
4) Participation in Knight tournaments
Participating in knight tournaments to practice for battle was another way medieval knights kept in shape and exercised.
To commemorate significant occurrences in the kingdom, tournaments were staged throughout medieval Europe. These occasions can include the monarch's marriage, birth of a noble, conquest, or diplomatic ones.
By participating in these competitions, the knights themselves would acquire not only prestige but also valuables. The opportunity to drill and train alongside some of the best knights in the area, however, was what really appealed to the knights.
5) Trained with lance
Although knights were taught to handle a variety of weapons, their preferred weapon of choice was the lance.
Knights would use their lances to penetrate, spear, and disarm the opposition, as demonstrated in jousting exhibitions. When the lance broke or was lost, the knights would switch to their swords.
Due to the legends surrounding King Arthur and Excalibur, exceptional swords came to be associated with knighthood and given mythical significance.
The medieval period spanned from the fall of Rome through the European Renaissance in the 16th century. Knights in the Middle Ages were required to train and work out constantly throughout this time. Because of that, they were regarded as elite troops.
