With the success of the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, why not try out winter sports for yourself? Not only are they fun and provide you with something a bit different from the gym but they are also highly beneficial to your health as well. These five sports all make sure that you are working a sweat while having fun in the cold.
Skiing
Skiing is mostly looked at as a holiday in the United Kingdom. When the winter months come we fly off to places like the Alps to hit the slopes. But there are plenty skiing spots through Britain, from skiing on mountains such as Glencoe in Scotland or using artificial slopes throughout the country. This sport uses short bursts of energy while giving a workout to your hips, hamstrings, calves, quads and feet. You can be expected to burn around 350 to 500 calories per hour when you hit the slopes.
Snowboarding
When people decide that they want to take up a winter sport snowboarding is the most popular choice. Perceived as a cooler version of skiing their workouts are much the same. You work the same muscles whether you are on the slopes with a set of skis or a board. You also will burn 350 to 500 calories per hour. Snowboarding does however have the added benefit that it also works your core when sliding down the slopes.
Cross Country Skiing
While this sport may be a bit harder to get in to than the rest it also provides one of the best workouts. This activity makes you move for non-stop for long periods of time and is actually considered an aerobic exercise. Working your thighs, calves, biceps and triceps you will burn around 600 calories an hour while marching through the snow.
Ice Skating
With ice rinks all around the country ice skating is pretty easy to get in to. People from all ages and skillsets can get involved and it is a great way to exercise. Slow skaters will find themselves burning around 300 to 400 calories and hour while faster skaters will do slightly more at around 600 calories. Ice Skating can also help build bone mass – especially if you are doing jumps.
Ice Hockey
Wherever there is an ice rink there is usually an ice hockey team to go along with it. This sport is known for its roughness but is also a great work out and can be even more enjoyable than the others on this list as you are part of a team. This sport is great for your cardio and will see you burning upwards of 500 calories an hour. Players can reach heart rates of 190 beats per minute so get your heart racing and find your local ice hockey team today.
