Its the time of year when winter sports are in fashion, and yet many people chose to stay on their sitting-room sofas rather than go out and get some exercise. The main reason why many choose to stay sedentary during this icy season is because the cold and darkness are not exactly motivating, and this is exactly why people put on a few extra pounds over the period of November to February. To remedy this, some of the worlds leading physicians and osteopaths have a look at the ways in which winter sports " such as skiing, snowshoeing, or ice-skating " can be beneficial to your health.
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, great for burning off those post-Christmas calories. Experts claim that, by skiing, the average 70-kilogram person loses approximately 300-400 calories per hour, and around 500-550 calories when snowshoeing. And this is all without having to break into sweat " simply going at your own pace will send them flying off.
Winter sports are obviously also a great way to get in shape. Skiing uses almost all muscle groups, but puts the most pressure on your legs " it is particularly strenuous for your knees and quad muscles. Skating affects similar muscle groups, but tends to use the hamstrings and quads more. These sports, among others, are therefore sure ways of getting your muscles working and your heart pumping again, contributing to 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.
It is therefore evident that winter sports are advantageous in many ways, providing something for everyone. Just take care not to overdo it " the last thing you want on your first day of holidays is a broken leg. Giving sports such as cross-country- and alpine- skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowboarding a go is great for getting active during the low-energy season. So grab your skis, sled, or snowboard and hit the slopes! - 16650
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, great for burning off those post-Christmas calories. Experts claim that, by skiing, the average 70-kilogram person loses approximately 300-400 calories per hour, and around 500-550 calories when snowshoeing. And this is all without having to break into sweat " simply going at your own pace will send them flying off.
Winter sports are obviously also a great way to get in shape. Skiing uses almost all muscle groups, but puts the most pressure on your legs " it is particularly strenuous for your knees and quad muscles. Skating affects similar muscle groups, but tends to use the hamstrings and quads more. These sports, among others, are therefore sure ways of getting your muscles working and your heart pumping again, contributing to 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.
It is therefore evident that winter sports are advantageous in many ways, providing something for everyone. Just take care not to overdo it " the last thing you want on your first day of holidays is a broken leg. Giving sports such as cross-country- and alpine- skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowboarding a go is great for getting active during the low-energy season. So grab your skis, sled, or snowboard and hit the slopes! - 16650
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, editor of the Osteopath Network, writes articles about osteopathy, osteopaths, London osteopath , back pain, neck pain, injury management. Andrew is interested in many aspects of alternative medicine.
