At the time of year when winter sports are at the peak of popularity, many people still chose their cushy recliner chairs over going jogging. That doesn’t seem like such a bad idea ” winters chilling cold and lingering darkness are barely motivating, but this does have the unfortunate consequence of adding a few extra kilograms to your weight between the months of November and February. To change this, a few of the worlds leading physicians and osteopaths look at the ways in which winter sports (such as ice-skating, skiing, or snowboarding) contribute to a healthier life.
While the icy roads are not exactly inviting, being outside does have its benefits for your health. There might be less available sunlight in the winter, the rays that do shine through are often very direct, giving you a health dosage of Vitamin D. The fresh mountain air that comes with ski holidays is an excellent remedy for those with allergies, asthma, or anyone who frequents polluted cities.
The sports themselves are excellent for burning off some of those Christmas-dinner calories. Experts say that the average person of 70 kilos loses between 300-400 calories per hour when skiing, and as much as 500-550 calories during snowshoeing ” and these do not have to be high-level or rigorous sessions ” you can burn these calories simply by moving.
Winter sports are also a great way of getting in shape. Skiing is particularly good for the legs, working the calves and quads as well as many other muscle groups in the body. Skating affects similar muscle groups, but more emphasis is placed on the hamstrings as well as the quad muscles. These two sports, and many other winter sports, are a great way to get the blood flowing and creating a fitter you.
What is more, most skiers, snowboarders or snowshoe hikers are, more often than not, recreational athletes ” people who partake in sports due to their appeal rather than their ability to burn calories. This makes winter sports a good and fun way of getting back in shape. While it can often be rough in the beginning, individuals often leave the piste or the skating rink feeling more active and healthier than before.
One of the biggest health advantages that come with winter sports are that, by exercising in the winter (the season where most people remain firmly planted in front of the telly), you enhance the well-being of your heart. Research gathered by the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation maintains that wintertime exercise (or any other exercise for that manner) reduces your chances of suffering from strokes or heart disease. So if jogging is not the thing for you, skiing or snowshoeing might be a fun alternative to keep your heart healthy.
Winter sports therefore have many obvious health benefits, and have something to offer for everyone. Just be sure not to overdo it ” you do not want an injury to ruin your winter holidays. Activities such as cross-country- and alpine- skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowboarding are excellent ways to get moving during this low-energy season. So grab your skis, skates, or snowboard and head for your winter destination!
