Ice Skating
f you've already spent much of the late fall and early winter on the couch because of the chilly weather, it's time to get out and get moving. There are many excellent winter sports to participate in, bringing not only good health benefits but a lot of fun into day to day doldrums, and ice skating is one of those outstanding activities.
Rockefeller Ice Rink
Wikimedia Commons
Cardiovascular benefits
Ice skating is one of the best aerobic activities there is, and the best part is, you'll be having so much fun out of the rink you won't notice how hard your body is working until you're done. Plus you'll get all the great cardio benefits without the pounding that other physical activities like running will take on your body.
To reap the maximum cardiovascular benefits, keep moving, and don't just glide over the ice. Interspersing between coasting and speed skating, is a great way to boost your endurance and increase the calorie burn.
Endurance
Speaking of endurance, you'll also increase endurance through ice skating. The best way to do this is to participate on a routinely basis, increasing your speed and distance a little each time you get out on the ice.
Increased muscle
Of course your legs will get a great workout when you ice skate, and especially the hamstrings and quadriceps. You'll also build up your abdominal and lower back muscles while keeping your balance on the ice.
Weight loss
Ice skating is a great calorie burner, and depending on your current body weight and effort on the ice, skaters can be as many as 760 calories an hour.
Mental benefits
As you glide across the ice, your cares literally melt away as you focus on the exercise instead of your worries. If you skate outdoors, you'll likely enjoy some beautiful scenery (naturally found in many ice skating locations) as well as having the ability to enjoy life as a kid again.
Where are some great places to ice skate?
My favorite place in the United States to ice
Rockefeller Ice Rink
Wikimedia Commons
Cardiovascular benefits
Ice skating is one of the best aerobic activities there is, and the best part is, you'll be having so much fun out of the rink you won't notice how hard your body is working until you're done. Plus you'll get all the great cardio benefits without the pounding that other physical activities like running will take on your body.
To reap the maximum cardiovascular benefits, keep moving, and don't just glide over the ice. Interspersing between coasting and speed skating, is a great way to boost your endurance and increase the calorie burn.
Endurance
Speaking of endurance, you'll also increase endurance through ice skating. The best way to do this is to participate on a routinely basis, increasing your speed and distance a little each time you get out on the ice.
Increased muscle
Of course your legs will get a great workout when you ice skate, and especially the hamstrings and quadriceps. You'll also build up your abdominal and lower back muscles while keeping your balance on the ice.
Weight loss
Ice skating is a great calorie burner, and depending on your current body weight and effort on the ice, skaters can be as many as 760 calories an hour.
Mental benefits
As you glide across the ice, your cares literally melt away as you focus on the exercise instead of your worries. If you skate outdoors, you'll likely enjoy some beautiful scenery (naturally found in many ice skating locations) as well as having the ability to enjoy life as a kid again.
Where are some great places to ice skate?
My favorite place in the United States to ice