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 doesnt 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.
The frosty roads might not exactly be inviting, but being out outside during the winter does have positive effects on your health. Although there is less sunlight in the winter, the rays that do come through are often very direct, providing you with some excellent Vitamin D. The mountain air can do wonders to people with asthma, allergies, or anyone who is frequently exposed to polluted city air.
The sports are of course a wonderful way to rid you of that unwanted holiday weight. Experts assert that the average 70-kilo individual burns about 300-400 calories per hour skiing, while snowshoeing rids you of approximately 500-550 calories an hour. And this achieved at your own pace " no intense or high-level sessions necessary.
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.
More often than not, skiers and skaters are of the recreational athlete sort than the hard-core fitness types, so taking up a winter sport this season is a fun way to get into shape again. It might be difficult to get started, people regularly leave the ice-rink or the piste feeling healthier and livelier and healthier than when they entered it.
One of the biggest health advantages that winter sports have to offer is that by exercising in the winter (a time when most people remain sedentary), is actually good for your heart. Research from the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation suggests that your chances getting of heart disease or strokes is greatly reduced by becoming more active in the winter. Snowboarding or ice-skating might therefore be fun alternatives to jogging to keep your heart in good health.
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!
The frosty roads might not exactly be inviting, but being out outside during the winter does have positive effects on your health. Although there is less sunlight in the winter, the rays that do come through are often very direct, providing you with some excellent Vitamin D. The mountain air can do wonders to people with asthma, allergies, or anyone who is frequently exposed to polluted city air.
The sports are of course a wonderful way to rid you of that unwanted holiday weight. Experts assert that the average 70-kilo individual burns about 300-400 calories per hour skiing, while snowshoeing rids you of approximately 500-550 calories an hour. And this achieved at your own pace " no intense or high-level sessions necessary.
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.
More often than not, skiers and skaters are of the recreational athlete sort than the hard-core fitness types, so taking up a winter sport this season is a fun way to get into shape again. It might be difficult to get started, people regularly leave the ice-rink or the piste feeling healthier and livelier and healthier than when they entered it.
One of the biggest health advantages that winter sports have to offer is that by exercising in the winter (a time when most people remain sedentary), is actually good for your heart. Research from the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation suggests that your chances getting of heart disease or strokes is greatly reduced by becoming more active in the winter. Snowboarding or ice-skating might therefore be fun alternatives to jogging to keep your heart in good health.
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!
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, clinical director of the Osteopath Network, writes papers about musculo-skeletal conditions and Luton osteopaths. The Osteopath Network has more than 550 clinics located throughout the UK and offers treatment at weekends and after hours.
No comments:
Post a Comment