During the winter season it is hard to get motivated to perform a workout. Even though gym memberships tend to increase during the cold season, it is better to embrace the exercise you can get out of winter sport activities. Skiing, Snowboarding, and Skating are some of the best winter sports to keep your body going through the winter. Not only do they burn calories, but they help to work and build different muscles in your body that can easily become stiff during the winter season.
Probably one of the most popular outdoor sports in winter is downhill skiing. Skiing can actually allow you to burn up to 648 calories per hour. So if you spend a day at the ski hill, the amount of calories you burn can really add up. Skiing also works a number of muscles in your body. It can help build your gluteal, quad, hamstring, and calf muscles all at the same time. It is well known as one of the best cardio workouts in outdoor sports.
Next to downhill skiing, is cross country skiing. Cross country skiing allows you to burn on average 756 calories per hour. It has all the same work out benefits as downhill skiing, but with a few additional benefits. Aside from building your gluteal, quad, hamstring, and calf muscles, downhill skiing also helps you build your biceps, triceps, and abdominal muscles. It may not have the thrill that goes along with downhill skiing but it can be an even greater challenge and a more intense workout.
Mogul Skiing is probably the best type of skiing to work out your legs. It burns about 864 calories per hour, the most of all 3 types of skiing. It primarily builds your quad and hamstring muscles, but also works on your chest, abdominal, gluteal, and hip flexor muscles. This is probably the most thrilling but difficult form of skiing. In order to progress at this you need to have both a strong upper and lower body, otherwise the moguls will most likely take you down.
Snowboarding is another winter sport that will keep you in great shape. Next to skiing snowboarding has become a popular sport, especially with the younger crowd. But, whether you are 15 or 50, it will still be a great form of exercise. Snowboarding can allow you to burn 545 calories an hour. It works your abdominal muscles, as well as your quads, hamstrings and calves.
There isn't a better full body winter workout than speed skating. Speed skating can actually burn up to 756 calories per hour. It helps primarily to build your gluteals, hip abductors, and quads, but also helps build your biceps, triceps, and abdominals. Even though this sport is somewhat hard to find a rink for, it is probably the most beneficial for your body. It also helps build coordination, balance, strength, endurance, and increases your overall body strength.
These winter sports are all beneficial to getting a good winter workout. Although it may be sometimes hard to get yourself out into that cold weather, now that you know the benefits of each of these sports it may be easier to do just that. Whether alone or with a friend, winter sports are a great way to have some fun and do your body some good at the same time.
Holiday Workouts
