Benefits of Ice-Skating
Ice-skating has become an increasingly popular means to exercise in the winter months. However, with proper training, you too can master the right techniques to make your workout more enjoyable and reduce the chance of injury. Whether you are not already practicing ice-skating in your free time, a day at the rink is a good way to get outdoors and exercise while still having fun while getting healthy. Here, we have some of the benefits that you will be able to enjoy when you decide to add this new winter fitness activity to your usual routines.
If you have a young kid, ice-skating can be a great opportunity for them to socialize and develop team sportsmanship. One of the best parts of the whole family taking a crack at the rink is that there are usually leagues for kids to join. This way, you can invite the entire family to take part and learn how to play the game together. Not only will it be a great learning opportunity but the whole family will get a lot of exercise at the same time. For younger children who are just learning how to skate, the free school programs that many local public schools sponsor can provide some valuable experience.
Aerobic workout
One of the key benefits of ice-skating that most people overlook is the fact that it provides an aerobic workout for you. A lot of people are under the misconception that if you have to work out during the colder months, you need to do so in a gym or on a treadmill. However, if you take the time to really focus on your cardiovascular workout while you are ice-skating, it can be one of the best workouts you have ever had. You will likely end up with better weight control than you had at your typical gym, too.
Another of the great benefits of taking your workouts indoors is the amount of stress and strain that it puts on your lower back. While most activities that target the muscles in your arms, legs, and chest can have this type of impact, because of the unusual position of the spine when you are skating, these other areas are less likely to be hit as hard. This means that the stress and strain you put on your body are spread throughout your muscles and not concentrated in any one area. This can have a positive effect on your lower back, although it is also important to mention that a decline in an activity does not necessarily mean that you will lose strength or flexibility. In fact, on the contrary, the opposite is true, as you will see as you progress with your workouts.
The last of the benefits of going to the local rink is the actually physical benefits. As mentioned, the stationary aspects of most rinks provide a great aerobic workout that is almost impossible to get from living at home. In addition to working out your heart and lungs, which should be done anyway, going to an actual hockey game provides a great opportunity to burn some calories, especially if you decide to skate during the colder months. Because of the nature of ice skating, it is also a good idea to add some short-burst exercises to your routine such as interval training or high-intensity training before and after every session.
Activity for the whole family
If you take part in an ice-skating program with your whole family, it is even more beneficial. This is because the break you get from your workout is enough to bring peace of mind. When you live at home, you don’t always know what time your children will get out of school. If you make the decision to work out together at the local rink, or any other public place, you are both less likely to feel stressed out if something were to go wrong. On top of this, since you are often surrounded by people who also love to work out, it tends to create a social atmosphere that is fun for everyone.
While there are many benefits to consider when deciding whether or not to participate in ice skating, there are also many risks to take into consideration as well. For instance, some children do not learn to skate safely or effectively until they reach the age of twelve. For these children, the benefits of ice skating far outweigh the risks. Younger children should also be supervised by a parent or responsible adult at all times. Although there is a minimal risk of injury, falling and breaking bones can happen unexpectedly and without warning. Falling and breaking bones are also very common injuries for older children who are participating in recreational skating.
Finally
Although many people may want to try their hand at ice-skating, few actually make it past the first day. Those who do make it past the first day usually end up giving up because the intense workout and pressure around the eyes make it difficult to see when you are skating. This intense workout can be hard on the eyes, which means that those who participate in recreational skating or even street hockey need to wear protective eyewear. In addition to wearing protective eyewear, skaters should also wear elbow and knee pads to protect their knees. In addition, skaters should also wear head protection, though some say that they don’t need it. Regardless of the type of skates you wear, or what specific safety gear you wear, make sure to wash and dry your skates thoroughly after every practice or game.
