Lots of people say this. Then they come to fighter practice, and when they can walk again, they tend to rethink their position.

The overall fitness level of reenactors isn't great! Granted freely! but: skill does mean something.

Mostly, also -- the people doing the most historical research tend to be the fittest. See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afqhBODc_8U, e.g. are a pretty athletic bunch.