While winter might feel like the right time to retreat inside and hibernate, there are plenty of benefits to getting outdoors and enjoying cold-weather sports. You can find options to suit any skill level, and they can work wonders for both physical and mental health. So here’s why you should consider heading out yourself, and how to do winter sports right.
Winter Sports And Physical Health Benefits
Skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating are excellent cardiovascular exercises, acting as full body workouts that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Naturally, this warms you up a lot faster than you’d expect, so no need to worry about feeling chilly. Moving through snow or over ice helps to strengthen your legs, core and stabilising muscles, working towards better balance and coordination. In fact, cold-weather exercise can help boost your efforts to burn calories, as it needs to maintain your core temperature as well. Plus, it helps keep your heart health with all the cardio you’re doing.
Mental Wellness Through Outdoor Activity In Winter
The benefits extend into mental wellbeing as well, especially as the winter months are typically greyer and less appealing. Winter sports are a reason to head outside into natural light, which helps regulate mood and sleep cycles. It can be an effective way of fighting off Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) too. Exercise of any form releases endorphins, which are your body’s natural mood enhancers.
Choosing The Right Gear For Cold Weather Sport
If you’re preparing to take on winter sports yourself, make sure you’re equipped with the right gear first. Layer your clothing to allow you to adapt to the elements, having breathable fabrics underneath a waterproof and windproof shell. Gloves and insulated socks can help keep your hands and feet from going numb with cold – or look into heated waterproof gloves for an extra toasty boost. Ensure you have all the necessary safety equipment, like helmets, goggles and wrist guards, so you can avoid serious incidents.
Safety And Preparation For Winter Outdoors
A key part to enjoyable winter exercise is staying safe. Start with a proper warm-up to avoid muscle strain and getting acclimatised to the cold. Stay hydrated even when you don’t feel thirsty, as you’ll be exerting yourself more than it might feel at first. Take care with icy surfaces, especially when transporting gear like snowboards between ski lifts. Find out about the signs of cold stress, so you can spot them early, and factor in regular breaks for refreshments and resetting your body. With the right gear and mindset on your side, cold-weather sports can be incredibly exhilarating, turning winter into one of the most fun times of year.
