4 new sports to try this winter
The temperature outside may be dropping but that’s no reason to give up on exercise for the winter months. Maintaining regular exercise sessions throughout the cooler months can have a positive impact on both your mental and physical health. Here are four sports to try this winter.
1. Cross country skiing
If you’re an avid snow-goer then you might want to give cross country skiing a crack this year. Cross country skiing is an aerobic sport meaning that you move nonstop for an extended period of time which is excellent for your cardio-vascular health as well as for building muscle in the thighs, bottom, calves and triceps. Cross country skiing is an intensive workout that does require a moderate to high level of fitness, not to mention the gear that comes with such a specific winter based sport, so make sure you take this into consideration before diving in.
2. Ice-skating
It may sound like a strange choice but ice-skating can be a great choice for a new activity to try. Not only is skating low impact, it helps build all the muscles in the lower body while boosting balance, flexibility and agility.
3. Downhill skiing
Another one for the snow-bunnies. Downhill skiing requires short bursts of energy as opposed to the longer stretches of exertion required in cross-country skiing. You’ll get your heart rate pumping along with using your hamstrings, thighs, calves, hips and abs.
4. Snowboarding
If skiing isn’t your thing, then perhaps you should give snowboarding a try. Burning around 480 calories per hour, snowboarding also encourages balance and works the leg and abdominal muscles. It’s also been shown to be great for your mental health. Beginners can sign up for lessons with a professional teacher while those who’ve boarded before are advised to pick terrain appropriate for their skill level.
Will you be giving any of these a go? Let us know in the comments below.
Related links:
The benefits of a cold start to the day
Workouts for people who don’t like getting sweaty
3 workouts to beat anxiety and depression