Leisure

Gold Standard

Where to Train Like an Olympian

In a few short days, the opening ceremony for one of the world’s biggest events will unfurl. Yep, the <em>Total Recall</em> premiere. Also: the Olympics. And while it’s too late to compete in London, now’s the time to start training for Rio in 2016. These places can help.

BADMINTON

Shuttlecocking with a World Champ

The Training: Courtesy of 30-year shuttlecock veteran Andy Chong, head coach for Team USA at last year’s Badminton World Federation Championships in London and occasional instructor to the Bose Corporation (seriously).
Degree of Difficulty: Medium. If only for those 200 mph serves.

SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING

Backstroking in Unison with Others

The Training: A seven-week program for mastering moves like “eggbeaters” and “sculling” (we don’t know either). Not to mention nailing choreography routines and forming human pinwheels to theme music.
Degree of Difficulty: High. Also: you might have to wear a Speedo.

ARCHERY

Foxboro. But for Shooting Arrows.

The Training: USA Archery–certified instruction on all things bow-and-arrow. In a 14-lane indoor range that uses beginner- and hunting-caliber bows and arrows.
Degree of Difficulty: High. Your previous archery experience via coat hanger and pen doesn’t hold much weight here.

WATER POLO

Time to Dust Off That Swim Cap

The Training: You’ll train and play with a USA Water Polo–affiliated team, which has competed in NYC, Hawaii, DC and Toronto (a true water polo hotbed).
Degree of Difficulty: Medium-high. Like playing ultimate frisbee with a ball, while treading water in a pool. And you thought soccer was tiring.

FENCING

Jousting for Points in Somerville

The Training: Full-gear instruction in a facility sanctioned by the US Fencing Association, where you’ll learn jousting moves to rival those of Inigo Montoya.
Degree of Difficulty: Easy-medium. They’re not going to start you off against a six-fingered man or anything. Still: those foils smart.