Boston - January 22, 2007

Blade Runners

Forza Classes at Healthworks

They say the pen is mightier than the sword.

But that’s no excuse to laze around doing Sudoku when you could be crunching other numbers. Namely, the ones around your waist. (Hey, if we don’t tell you, who will?)

In the case of Forza, a new cardio class at Healthworks, you’ll put an actual wooden sword to use. The workout, which incorporates ancient Japanese training techniques, mixes martial arts with lunges and squats. It’s a cross between fencing (without a partner) and kickboxing (with a stick), plus lots and lots of leg work. Nonmembers are welcome, by the way.

Those kung fu movies make it look sooo easy, but the three-pound sword puts your upper body through the wringer and leaves you down for the count.

More effective than the puzzles?

You do the math.

Healthworks, 35 White Street, Porter Square Shopping Center, Cambridge (617-497-4454 or healthworksfitness.com).