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 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.
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 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!
The content of this page is informed by feedback from practices in Middlesex and also a practitioner in Manchester. Further input was received from clinics in Chiswick and osteopathic practitioners in Southampton. Finally a contribution was made by osteopaths in the Cambridge area.