Most people got used to sitting at home in front of the TV or computer in winter. Maybe it is time to go out and take part in some winter fun! Here are the most useful and popular winter sports and their health benefits.
Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is one of the best sports for endurance. They also allow you to burn more calories than any other sporting activity. Cross-country skiing is an aerobic sport, so you are moving non-stop for a long time while your heart is pumping oxygen through the blood vessels in the muscles, providing them with energy. Strengthening certain muscles during ski races varies depending on ski style, but usually it involves training thighs, gluteus, calf muscles, biceps and triceps (the front and the back of the shoulder). In terms of calories, a 70-pound person will burn about 500-640 calories per hour while cross-country skiing.
Tips to get started:
- Do not overload yourself. Be conservative in how long you are planning to ski.
- Prepare in advance using the elliptical exerciser to avoid muscle strain.
- Bring liquid and snacks with you, especially if you are heading to remote areas.
- Wear layered clothing that will protect you from the cold and will allow removing extra clothing with an easy movement.
Downhill skiing
Unlike cross-country skiing, downhill skiing provides shorter bursts of energy. The majority of ski slopes give you two or three minutes of skiing. The muscle groups involved in skiing are thigh muscles, quadriceps, calves, thighs, and leg muscles. To a lesser degree, you will have to use the abdominal muscles and strengthen your hands. Mountain activities improve balance, flexibility, and leg strength. Skiing is not straining back muscles, tendons and joints, as water skiing. A person weighing 70 kg burns about 360-570 calories per hour of skiing. If you are a beginner, avoid too great heights because of the possibility of altitude sickness. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache across the forehead, muscle pain, shortness of breath and inability to think properly. And make sure you drink enough fluids and do not feel thirsty.
Skating
Skating covers, perhaps, all the components of fitness. This is a good sport to strengthen the muscles of the lower body, thighs, calves, biceps, and quadriceps. Skating also increases balance, flexibility, speed and agility. Another advantage is that you can burn calories, even as a freshman. New skaters use a lot of energy, just walking around the skating rink several times. When you get used and you will feel balance better, you will be able to skate more; you will continue to strengthen your body and increase endurance.
