How Winter Sports Contribute to a Healthier You
Winter sports are back in fashion at this time of year, yet there are many people who prefer to lounge in their comfy armchairs over going out for a jog. This doesnt necessarily mean that we are all lazy, but the cold, and darkness are very de-motivating, which does unfortunately contribute to those extra unwanted pounds between the months of November and February. To solve this problem, a few of the worlds top physicians and osteopaths examine the ways in which winter sports ” such as cross-country skiing, snowboarding, or ice-skating ” can have a positive influence on your health.
While the frosty roads are not really welcoming, being outside can be very beneficial to your health. There might not be as much sunlight available in the winter, but the rays that do reach us are very direct, and give us our necessary Vitamin D. And if you have a chance to go into the mountains for some downhill sports, the fresh mountain air can be very cleansing to those with allergy problems, asthma, or breathing difficulties due to pollution.
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 most significant benefits of winter sports is that doing exercise in the winter ” a time when most prefer to sit and watch TV, is good for your heart. A study conducted by the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation says that wintertime exercise ” any exercise ” reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes. For those who hate going jogging in the cold, ice-skating or snowboarding might be a fun alternative to get the exercise your heart needs.
It is therefore evident that winter sports have many health advantages, and offers possibilities to everyone. Just be wary of overdoing it ” you dont want your ski vacation waste on a broken leg. Trying sports such as cross-country- and alpine- skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowboarding are good ways to get active during this low-energy season. So grab your snowboard, skis, or snowshoes and head for the pistes!