Sports are beneficial at any time of the year and at any age; they improve our quality of life and help us prevent diseases.
There are many advantages offered by winter sports since the burning of calories at this time of year is higher, increasing by up to 30% since the body needs to work twice as hard to regulate body temperature.
In this way, it consumes more energy from stored fat and contributes to a more resistant heart and better circulation.
Some of the benefits of playing sports in the winter, in addition to burning calories due to increased metabolic activity, are:
- The reinforcement of our immune system as the number of leukocytes and granulocytes is increased.
- It improves our immune system.
- The increase in the amount of plasma in the blood that favors hydration.
Exercise is also psychologically beneficial, since it releases chemicals in the brain that help restore mood.
We can enjoy a large number of sports at any time of the year, although we are used to doing more activities in the hot season as the days are longer. In winter we can also take advantage of the time and go on a getaway to also disconnect from the routine and distract ourselves.
That is why we bring you different ideas so that you can continue practicing sports in the cold months and have fun just like at any other time of the year.
Winter sports
Ski and Snowboard:
The snow has always been a great attraction at this time of year, so you will love sliding down the slope enjoying the mountain breeze and breathing fresh air.
Children can also learn this activity from a very young age.
It is not a risky sport, but you do have to have some skill and learn the technique to mainly avoid a fail. If you have never done this type of sport, perhaps you should hire a class with a professional instructor who will instruct you.
Make sure you equip yourself with the appropriate footwear and clothing, you can buy the equipment at any sports store or if you prefer you can rent it at a specialized store or at the same station where you decide to ski, consult the possibility of this option beforehand.
Ice skating:
Another of the most successful activities in the winter season is ice skating and you don’t have to travel far to enjoy it. We currently have indoor or outdoor courts.
It is one of the most fun sports to practice as a family, although if you want to learn to slide on the track like a professional and learn different skills, you can also sign up for a course.
For this hobby you do not need very complicated clothing, you only need flexible clothing that insulates you from the cold and gloves. You can buy some blade skates if you are going to go regularly or rent them at the same skating rink.
In this sport you will mainly work on balance, although it is not necessary for a monitor to teach you a lot of technique, it will depend more on your agility.
If you have never done this activity, start to slide little by little along the side of the rink avoiding crossing the path of more expert skaters. If you think it convenient, you can use a protection system such as a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads.
Curling:
This sport began in Scotland in the 16th century and is currently an Olympic sport with a women’s, men’s and mixed doubles category, having premiered the latter category in 2018. The exercise takes place on a rectangular ice area and is competed in a group of four people.
The objective of the game is to develop better skills to get the highest score between both teams, sliding a polished granite stone down the track, getting as close as possible to the target. For this type of activity, skates are not necessary.
In Spain there are several federations and sports clubs for the practice of this exercise.
Winter triathlon:
If you consider yourself a great athlete, train regularly and maintain good physical condition, you will like to compete in this type of tournament. Triathlon consists of running a 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon race, bike course and a swim race.
In the winter mode, mountain races, cross-country cycling and cross-country skiing are held. If there is a possibility, the first two stages can be carried out on snow. The use of suitable thermal clothing is recommended for the entire tour.
Ice-hockey:
It is a game, initially British, that takes place between two teams of six players each. Blade skates are also used in this activity.
The purpose is to slide a vulcanized rubber disc along the track, hitting it using a stick that can be made of wood or plastic. The puck must be propelled with speed to introduce it into the net that is guarded by a goalkeeper.
It should be noted that it is a somewhat violent sport given the physical contact that occurs, in the form of bumps and shoves, between the players.
In addition to the stick and the skates, the equipment for this discipline consists of:
- Helmet with facial protection that covers eyes and forehead.
- Knee-shin guards.
- Elbow pads.
- Gloves.
- Shell.
- Necklace.
- Mouth guard.
- Thermal underwear.
- Reinforced trousers.
- Shoulder, chest and back protector.
Snow rackets:
If you like hiking, you will be attracted by the idea of going on a snowshoe route. You will discover new landscapes and you will be able to enjoy them as a family without the need for prior training.
Children can also start this activity from about seven years old.
There are federations in Spain that organize championships and adventure centers that organize group excursions.
Mushing or Dog Sledding:
It was the form of displacement they used in Alaska and the Nordic countries. Today, this activity has positioned itself as a sport in many countries.
To enjoy this hobby you need a sled and dogs resistant to low temperatures such as Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes or Labradors.
One of the most characteristic areas in the practice of this sport is the Pyrenees, where they organize short walks or routes lasting approximately one hour. You can choose between taking a sled individually or in a group
Fat Bikes or Snow bikes:
Both modalities are performed on snow.
Fat Bikes are part of the Mountain Bike family of sports, they are less complicated since they have a thicker wheel and they grip the terrain better.
They can also be used on beach or desert sand, so they can be used at any time of the year.
In the case of Snow bike, the bicycle is not wheels but skis. They are more oriented to expert users since it reaches between 80 and 100 km/hour. It requires a lot of concentration and balance.
Elbow and knee protection must be used, in addition to the helmet and goggles.
Ice climbing:
Perhaps it is one of the adventure sports that you have least heard of since it is difficult to find this type of location in some places. But it is not impossible and more and more climbing courses are being offered in this skill.
Currently you can climb in the Pyrenees, Pico’s de Europa and Sierra Nevada among other enclaves.
To practice this hobby you need proper protective equipment, ropes and ice axes to climb between frozen waterfalls. You can train for this activity in the climbing walls of your city.
There are some precautions that we must take, since when we do a lot of activity added to the low outside temperature we can weaken our immune system.
People with respiratory problems should avoid exercising during the coldest hours of the day so as not to irritate the lungs.
Tips for winter sports:
- Apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
- Hydrate yourself adequately to combat the cold and fatigue.
- Wear suitable waterproof clothing and footwear that protects you against low temperatures.
- Dress in three layers, the first that can expel sweat, the second thermal and the third a waterproof windbreaker.
- Provide energy to your body constantly through the consumption of nuts.
- It warms the neck and head well, since they are the two main areas through which our body loses heat.
- Do not forget to warm up before doing any type of sport, it will avoid serious injuries.
