Video: Fun Winter Sports Ideas

Most anyone who has heard of Minnesota knows it's a cold and snowy place in the winter. Those who live there make the most of it by enjoying a wide variety of winter sports - keeping in shape and having fun, regardless of the weather! From skiing to snowboarding to snow shoeing and more, this video offers some fun ideas for exercising in winter - even if you don't live in St. Cloud.

Check it out and get inspired to get outside and enjoy the great winter outdoors!

Winter Sports in Granite Country - St. Cloud, Minnesota!
The St. Cloud Minnesota area gets a lot of snow ...and we love it, because there is so much to do in the snow! Skiing, snow tubing, hockey, ice skating, sledding - even indoor sports like basketball and swimming thrive in central Minnesota all winter...

Keeping Warm & Safe During Winter Sports

Many people love to engage in various sports for fun and exercise that take place outdoors during the winter months. However, it is vital that you know how to keep yourself warm so that you don’t become ill or suffer from frostbite. It is also important that you stay hydrated as your will lose body heat if your body is lacking the right amount of water to regulate your temperature.

Canadian winter sports, snowshoeing and skiing. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Since you don’t really know what the temperature is going to be like from one moment to the next in winter, you just have to be prepared for it. While it may warm up during the afternoon the temperature can rapidly dip in the late afternoon and evening. You will likely generate body heat to stay warm if you are engaging in a winter sport that keeps you moving such as ice skating, skiing, sledding, or ice hockey.

Dressing in layers is a very important for you to stay warm during winter sports. There are particular types of clothing that work well for various sports so pay attention. You want to have three distinct layers of clothing – the base layer, the under layer, and then the outer layer.

Underneath the clothing wear a cotton undershirt which will allow your skin to breathe. For winter sports such as skiing you will want to wear thermal underwear and then a snowsuit and ski jacket. Hats and gloves with thermal linings are very helpful too. Most of the body heat a person loses is from their head so a hat is very important when being outside for any prolonged period of time.

The boots or shoes you use for a particular winter sport are very important as well. They need to be designed to offer you plenty of traction as well as mobility. They need to keep your feet dry and warm so you won’t suffer from frostbite on your toes. If you're a runner, there are special tennis shoes designed for running in the winter time that will prevent you from slipping due to ice or snow.

Various types of foods and drinks can help to keep you warm during winter sports as well. Soups and stews are very nutritious and they will keep you warm. Hot drinks such as coffee, tea, coca, and cider will help to warm you up as well. Enjoying these types of foods will also serve to help you maintain your energy while enjoying winter sports.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pay close attention to the signs your body gives you to warn that you aren’t staying warm enough during winter sports. You don’t want to find yourself far away from shelter and extremely cold. Knowing where you are at and where you can find shelter from the cold is very important. Hypothermia can set in if you get too hot while engaging in winter sports and then the sweat from the process makes you cold. You will lose too much body heat this way so pay attention to the physical abilities of your body.

Enjoying winter sports is a great way to have fun and to keep your body healthy. However, it is very important that you do everything you can to stay warm. Serious injuries or death can occur if you aren’t prepared for the elements. Make sure you also have a cell phone, food, blankets, and flares stocked in your vehicle. You never know if you will get stranded driving to or from any type of winter sports activity. You always want to be prepared. Make sure you have at least one other person with you as well.

Speed Skating for Fun & Fitness

Speed skating has become a very popular winter sport, but some critics claim it is simply too dangerous for most people to be engaging in. Many people enjoy watching speed skating during the Winter Olympics and then want to engage in the activity on their own without proper training. The speed of travel in this type of sport can be more than 30 miles per hour so if you fall down or collide with someone else it can be quite dangerous.

In order to reduce the risk of injuries during speed skating, it is vital that safety gear is worn at all times. This includes a helmet that fits properly, knee pads, and elbow pads. It is best for this sport to take place on an ice rink that has been specifically designed for it instead of out on a frozen pond somewhere.

Speed skating marathon. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In professional speed skating there are pairs of competitors on the ice. Each track has two lanes and each person in a pair will get a colored band. This tells the judges which lane they started at for the beginning of the competition. The skaters have to change lanes at a given location along the track to ensure both skaters are covering the same amount of distance.

There are many different types of races that take place in the winter sport of speed skating. If a pair of teams are racing against each other they will start at different locations on the track. This prevents them from being in the way of each other and their times are tracked by the judges. For marathon speed skating races everyone starts at the same location and there is plenty of bumping and pushing as the skaters try to get ahead of each other.

However, speed skating does offer a great way for people to get into shape and to enjoy a fun new form of exercise. It takes plenty of practice to build up enough strength to successfully participate in this sport. The type of skates you will use for speed skating depend on the type of events you are participating in.

Long distance speed skating requires you to use clap skates. They are different from regular ice skates because they feature a hinge on the boot that the blade is attached to. This allows the skater to move faster and to have more control over the skates because part of the blade is continuously in contact with the ice.

Speed skating in the Netherlands (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are plenty of speed skating events around the country (and even the world) for you to participate in. Find a partner that is just as interested in the sport as you are so you can train with them. Many people have a goal of one day being part of the speed skating teams in the Winter Olympic Games. While not everyone can be a part of that, there are plenty of other events you can easily be a part of while you continue to improve your skills.

If you decide to engage in speed skating you need to make sure you have skates that are designed for it. You also want to make sure you always wear your safety equipment so that you minimize your risk of injuries. Speed skating is quickly becoming one of the most popular winter sports and you can expect to see more people participating in it in the near future.

News on Fun Ways to Exercise in Winter

For those of you getting the winter blah's just about now, here are a few recent articles with some tips for keeping your exercise routine going, and keeping motivated to stay in shape during these last few long months before spring. (And be sure to check back through the archives on this blog as we've posted LOTS of great ideas over the past few months.)

Image via Wikipedia6 Ways to Stay Motivated to Exercise this Winter
Find a Winter Sport You Love: There are so many great winter sports that will provide you with a fun way to get in your exercise. There is down-hill skiing, snowboarding, snow-shoeing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, just to name a ...
Publish Date: 11/23/2008 10:17
http://www.sheerbalance.com/hot-topic/6-ways-to-stay-motivated-to-exercise-this-winter/

Get in shape for spring break
But a quick glance at the calendar will tell you, we're already almost a quarter of the way through the year! You know what that means, right? Despite the bitterly cold and snowy weather many of you have had this winter, things will be warming up ... Walking and running are great exercises for several reasons. They work nearly every muscle in the body all at once, unlike weight training which targets specific areas. It's also great cardio exercise to strengthen the heart. ...
Publish Date: 02/28/2011 14:18
http://www.smoothfitness.com/blog/get-in-shape-for-spring-break/

Fun Family Fitness Ideas for the Holidays | Health | Epoch Times
During the winter months, don't just stay indoors and sip hot chocolate, get outside and get fit with the whole family. (Photos.com). Finding fun ways to exercise and bond with the kids during the holidays is an easy an inexpensive way ...
Publish Date: 12/21/2009 19:56
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/health/fun-family-fitness-ideas-for-the-holidays-26781.html

The 5 Best Winter Activities for Burning Calories
Recreational ice skating can be a fun way to exercise with a group of friends or family. Add a stick and a puck and you have a friendly game of ice hockey! 3. Downhill Skiing = 0.060 kcal/lb/min. Downhill, or alpine, skiing is a fun ...
Publish Date: 02/19/2011 0:35
http://socialhype.com/lifestyle/1774-the-5-best-winter-activities-for-burning-calories.html

Have a Blast with Snowboarding

If you have mastered the skills of skiing, and you are looking for something fun to do during the winter you may find snowboarding offers you what you have been looking for.

Image via WikipediaSnowboarding is a thrilling twist that incorporates some of the basic concepts of skiing. However, it is much more daring and many people find it offers them the challenges that they love while out in the snow. To keep a snowboard on the feet, there are straps on the board. Most snowboards look similar to a surfboard but shorter. There are no poles used for snowboarding and so you have to use your body to control it.

Even though the concepts behind snowboarding have been around since the 1970’s, its popularity really exploded around 1998. It became very popular with the younger crowds that often engaged in skateboarding activities. It has since become one of the most anticipated events that takes place in the Winter Olympic
Games. The internet is also partly responsible for the popularity of snowboarding as there are numerous sites offering videos of the activity that really capture the attention of viewers.

Due to the popularity of snowboarding today, many ski resorts now rent snowboarding equipment and offer lessons for free on their slopes. They would prefer for people to learn the basics of snowboarding from a qualified individual than risk getting injured attempting the moves on their own. The fact that so many other people make snowboarding look easy can be misleading.

Some people believe you have to know how to ski before you can learn how to snowboard. This continues to be an issue of hot debate and it appears that it simply comes down to what you learned first. There are plenty of snowboarders out there that don’t know how to ski. It is similar to the issue of learning to drive on a stick shift – those that did think it was easy while those that didn’t can’t imagine having one more thing to try to do while learning how to drive.

Image via WikipediaMany ski resorts often hold snowboarding competitions for great prizes including cash and free lodging at their ski resort. The freedom that people get with snowboarding makes it very enjoyable. The various flips and turns that people perform while skateboarding can be incorporated into a snowboarding routine. It is fascinating to see snowboarder’s compete as they attempt the most difficult moves in order to get the best ranking from the judges.

There are also plenty of big name sponsors that have come on board for these snowboarding competitions. Some of them are only for professionals while many of them are reserved for amateurs. The Ticket to Ride is a snowboarding competition that takes place in various locations in order to continually promote this winter sport.

Many advances have taken place in the overall design of the snowboards and the number of ski slopes that now allow them to be used. It is even possible to have your snowboard customized so it has the look and fit that you really want. This is a common practice for those individuals that engage in snowboarding on a regular basis. The forecasting for snowboarding through 2015 indicates that by then snowboarding will be more popular than skiing.

One of the biggest problems with snowboarding is the risk of injuries. While wearing a helmet is recommended, very few people wear them while engaging in this sport. In order to encourage this some ski resorts won’t allow you to snowboard without a helmet. Some of the top names in the sport have also volunteered their time to promote the use of helmets in posters, magazines, and commercials.

Even though snowboarding is a thrilling winter sport to enjoy, you need to make sure you keep safety in your thoughts as well. Never snowboard in unauthorized areas and without the right skills to do it safely. Make sure you use quality equipment that fits you securely so that you minimize injuries to your body.

Common Problems to watch out for During Winter Sports

While winter sports offer you plenty of fun and great exercise, you also have to be careful. There are plenty of painful problems that can occur during winter sports if you aren’t careful. Some of them aren’t serious while others can cause severe injuries or even death. Being prepared for winter sports can help you avoid having to deal with such issues so you can focus on having a great time!

Image by Denis Messié via FlickrOne common factor is blisters developing on the toes or on the heels because the boots you are wearing aren’t a proper fit. You want your boots for winter sports to be very snug in order to prevent them from rubbing. Socks made from cotton or wool are usually best as they will help to reduce the amount of friction and they will keep your feet warm as well.

Blisters are often the result of you not being comfortable in the boots you have purchased. Try to wear them a few times before you engage in the sport so you will be able to loosen them up some. You want them to be flexible when you are walking around in them so your feet don’t feel stiff. It is a good idea to try on boots for winter sports with the same type of socks you plan to wear for the events. This way you can make sure they will fit well together.

On the flip side of that coin though you don’t want your socks or your boots to be too tight. This can result in a condition known as Neuromas developing, in which the nerves of the feet are tightly pinched. Common symptoms include pain, burning, and tingling sensations in the feet.

Engaging in winter sports requires your body to be very flexible. Be prepared for the toll it will take on your body and make sure you stretch before you and after you take part in winter sports. The impact can be more than you have expected so be prepared with the right equipment. You don’t want to suffer from broken bones or a head injury because you didn’t think about the force of the impact.

Sprains are very common during winter sports, especially skiing. This is often a sign of your boots being too loose or your ankles being too weak. Try to perform various exercises that will help you have stronger ankles before the winter season approaches. If you think you have sprained your wrist or ankle during winter sports you will want to remove yourself from the activity. Continuing to engage in it will increase your chances of a broken bone or a very serious injury.

Image via WikipediaDon’t travel too far from your vehicle or shelter while engaging in winter sports. If signs of frostbite or hypothermia are present you don’t want to have to trek for miles to get help. Make sure you always have a good idea of where you are at. It is a good idea to use the buddy system when you engage in winter sports so you have someone to assist you. Make sure others know where you are and when you should be back as well. This way they can send help for you if necessary.

You really need to be careful with children and the issue of frostbite. They will often withstand the cold as long as possible in order to continue enjoying the fun. However, by the time they tell you their fingers or toes are too cold it may be too late. Put a limit on the amount of time you allow them to stay outdoors in such weather as a precaution.

Educating yourself about these various issues that can arise during winter sports is important. Many injuries can be avoided if people take the time to learn about them and to protect themselves against them. Always invest in the proper clothing to wear during winter sports in order to ensure your body is well protected from the elements and from injuries.

Buying the Right Ski Equipment

Skiing is a fun winter sport but to get the full enjoyment from it you need to have the right ski equipment. This is also necessary in order to help you remain safe while you are skiing. While most ski resorts rent out equipment, you will find having your own makes it an entirely different experience.

Thermal Underwear

You will need to dress in layers when you go skiing to preserve your body heat because the weather will likely be cold. The thermal underwear you buy needs to fit you snugly so it isn’t moving around under your other clothing. You will need a ski suit or ski pants for your outer layer of protection. You want items that are waterproof so you won’t end up wet and cold as the day progresses.

One of the most important pieces of your ski equipment is what you will wear on your feet. Ski boots need to fit correctly or you will have a very difficult time. They need to be snugger than what you would wear for your normal shoes. Your ankles have a great deal of pressure on them while you are skiing so if your boots are too loose you risk twisting or breaking your ankle.

Ski Socks

The socks you wear with your ski books are important too. You want them to be thin and made from wool. Too many people make the mistake of thinking heavy socks such as those you wear for hiking are a good idea, but they actually aren’t going to keep your feet as warm as you would think.

Keeping your hands warm is essential while skiing so look for gloves with a thermal lining. You also want those that offer you an excellent material for gripping so you won’t lose your ski poles. Gloves for skiing need to fit well or you risk losing them while you are skiing. To keep your head and ears warm you want a hat that can also stay firmly in place. Ear muffs can be worn to cover your ears if you don’t want a long hat.

Image via WikipediaYou can purchase your skis and the poles as a set or separately. There are plenty of different types of skis to select from based on the type of skiing you plan on doing. Make sure you try on the skis to be sure they will securely hold your boots. It is a good idea to try them on with the gloves you will be using. This allows you to see if you can easily secure the skis with your gloves on or not.

The amount of skiing you will be doing should affect the amount of money you wish to spend on such equipment. Those that only ski a few times per year need to look at moderately priced ski equipment that is durable but not expensive. Those that plan to hit the slopes on a regular basis will really want to consider investing in top-quality merchandise as it will definitely provide them with a good return on their investment.

You can purchase quality ski equipment at sporting goods stores or online. (Even Amazon.com now carries ski gear!) Many items you want to be able to try on to ensure they are a good fit. If you aren’t able to do this make sure the company offers a money back guarantee. This way you can either exchange it or get your money back if it doesn’t work for you. You want your ski equipment to be durable and well-fitting so you can spend your time on the slopes instead of inside trying to get warm (or nursing an injury).

A Few Common Items of Ski Gear:
   

Looking for Fun Winter Exercise? Try Skiing!

Skiing is a very popular winter sport that involves the thrill of being able to move swiftly down a hill. It is a sport that requires snowfall to be in place so it can only be done in the winter months. Some popular ski resorts have systems in place that help to make imitation snow so the ski season can continue even when there isn’t sufficient snow fall being provided by nature.

Image via WikipediaWhile it is easier to learn how to ski when you are young, it is a sport you can take up later in life. The more flexible your body is the easier it will be for you to learn how to ski. It is a good idea to take the time to enroll in classes with a ski instructor. This way you don’t develop bad habits that you will simply have to break later on.

It is going to take plenty of practice for you to be able to master the basic skills of skiing. Don’t give up though because as you continue to improve your skills you will enjoy this winter sport more and more. Skiing is very fun and it is an excellent form of exercise due to the number of muscles in your body that it works.

The slopes of skiing are accessed by taking a chair lift to the top and then selecting the one you want to go down. Each one is marked based on the challenge it possesses and the level of difficulty.

CAUTION: You should never go down ski slopes that are too advanced for your level of skills. You will be putting yourself and others at risk of injuries or death. Always stay on the marked trails and pay attention to other skiers in the area. Most accidents that happen on ski slopes are the result of individuals not following the rules.

To ensure you stay warm while skiing you will need to dress in layers. This way you can take layers off as you get warmer and put them back on when the temperature drops and the wind picks up. Ski suits will help to retain your body temperature and you will want to wear gloves and a hat. Ski goggles will help to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun and any debris. You also want to wear a pair of quality ski boots for traction.

Image via WikipediaFor those with advanced skiing skills, the slopes may not offer enough of an adventure or thrill anymore. A great option is to try out cross country skiing. This can be more difficult and more of a workout, and you will also get to see more of the countryside as well.

You also have to be very careful of the terrain as it won’t be cleared out like it is on a ski slope. Make sure you have the permission of the land owner to cross country ski on their land. It is a good idea to always have at least one other person with you and to let others know where you are at and when you will be returning. In most instances cell phones aren’t going to get quality reception in such areas.

Learning to ski can provide years of fun and fitness, and it is a great activity for the whole family to enjoy together!

Safety Issues To Be Aware of With Winter Sports

Taking part in winter sports is a great way to stay in shape and to get fresh air during the winter. Many winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding involve the snow so you can be sure they will take place in cold areas. It is important that you take safety into consideration while engaging in winter sports. You want to have a great time without getting injured - that's no fun!

Image via WikipediaIt is very important that you stretch properly before you start any type of sports. This helps to keep your body flexible which will reduce the chances of getting hurt if you do fall down. Dressing for the weather is very important because you want to keep your skin dry and your body warm. At the same time you need to have the right equipment on to keep you safe for that particular winter sport.

Many people believe you can only become dehydrated while playing sports in the summer but this isn’t true. Make sure you drink plenty of water and sports drinks throughout the day to keep your fluid level where it should be. Pay attention to the amount of sweat your body releases during winter sports as well. With the cold weather, the mixture of sweat and the cool air can result in hypothermia. Pay attention to symptoms including dizziness, shivering, and exhaustion while you are out in the cold.

You also want to make sure you eat properly while engaging in winter sports. This is where you will get your energy from. Your body may become too weak to trek back from the site of your sport if you haven’t given it sufficient fuel. Keep quick snacks such as peanuts or granola bars on hand in case you need a quick bite to rev up your energy levels.

If you have to travel on rough terrain to get to the site for your winter sport, make sure you have checked over the vehicle. You never know when you may get stuck so make sure you are prepared. The vehicle needs to be stocked with food, water, a radio, a cell phone, blankets, and flares.

Image via WikipediaPay close attention to the posted signs and written regulations when you engage in winter sports. You don’t want to be on ice for skating or playing hockey that is at risk of breaking. There should be posted signs informing you to the status. You also don’t want to be on private land or cross the barriers when you are skiing or snowboarding. Doing so can result in you getting lost or injured. In some cases, it could even trigger an avalanche due to the vibrations of the ground while you are participating in your sport.

Make sure you have the proper training before you jump into any winter sport. You don’t want to get in over your head. Watching other people perform the sport may be misleading as their level of skill makes it look easy. Take your time to be cautious and you can get faster and more advanced in your winter sports after you have a firm grasp on the basics.

The quality of your equipment is a very important part of enjoying winter sports safely. Check your ice skates to make sure the blades are sharp enough and they aren’t falling apart. Check the latches on your skis and snowboard to make sure they are still in good shape. Sleds and snowmobiles need to be carefully checked that they are in good working condition so they don’t build up speed and then get out of your control.

There are plenty of fun winter sports to look forward to each year so do your part to make sure they are safe. Teaching children to follow the rules and to wear proper safety equipment is important. However, the very best way to teach them this is to wear that equipment yourself when you play winter sports.

Tips for Learning how to Ski

Learning how to ski is a great way to ensure you can be a part of the outdoor fun taking place this winter. This is one of the most popular winter sports and it can be a fun activity for the entire family to enjoy. It is a good idea to take free lessons that are taught at most ski resorts instead of trying to learn to ski on your own. These qualified instructors can tell you exactly what your strengths are and help you to work on your weaknesses.

Image via WikipediaSome ski instruction classes last for a couple of hours and others can last for a couple of days. Your instructor will be able to determine if you should be moved up to another class based on the basic skills you exhibit initially. You want to take instructions for a class that only has a few students. This way everyone can get plenty of individual attention.

Be prepared for the process of learning how to ski, and have fun with it. The more relaxed you are the easier it is going to be. Too many people get tense while they are learning and this leads to even more falls along the way. The truth of the matter is that you ARE going to fall plenty while learning to ski -- so stop being afraid -- it is going to happen, no matter what. Instead focus on increasing the amount of time between each fall and celebrate as you reach these goals. (I still remember the first time I went down an entire slope without falling once - wow, I was so excited!)

You really need to focus on learning how to control your movements while on a pair of skis so you don’t lose control or start going too fast to be safe. Keeping your knees bent will help to ensure you can avoid injury as you learn how to ski (and the bigger you make your turns, the more you can control your speed). Remember that everyone learns new things at a different pace so don’t compare yourself to what others out there are doing. As you become more comfortable on your skis, you will be able to identify your rhythm as you turn and glide along the snow.

Having the right equipment when you are learning how to ski will help you learn the basics faster. It will also help you remain safe. You should have on ski boots that fit you well and be dressed in layers. The top layer should be a thick waterproof down ski jacket because it is going to be very hard to focus on learning how to ski when you are freezing (and the wind will really cut, going down the slope fast, so you will also need a hat, and preferably goggles).

Image via WikipediaEven though it is best to have your own equipment for skiing, beginners often don’t want to shell out the hundreds of dollars to buy it. That is quite understandable if you haven’t yet made up your mind if you want to pursue this type of sport on an ongoing basis. Just make sure any ski equipment that you borrow or rent is a good fit for you (ask the professionals at the rental place, and they can fit you properly).

It takes plenty of practice to learn how to ski so don’t think this is something you are going to master right away. Too many people get the idea that skiing is a piece of cake when they watch other people do it. Stick with it though and in a short period of time you too will be gracefully gliding down the slopes and having a great time doing it - it's really one of the most fun winter activities I've ever tried! (And WOW, is it ever great exercise...in fact, if you make a whole day of it the first time, don't be surprised if your legs feel like you ran a marathon for a few days afterward.)

 

Related articles on Fun and Skiing:

• 5 Tips For Getting Kids Ready to Ski (summitcounty.wordpress.com)
• Green Ski Trips For the Holidays (earth911.com)
• Happy trails all over the country (nypost.com)
• Ski naked – and 10 more things you can no longer do on the hill (theglobeandmail.com)
• Skiing: How to get fit for the slopes (telegraph.co.uk)

Sledding - An Extra-Fun Winter Exercise!

Winter doldrums got you down?  Get some exercise! If you're feeling trapped indoors by the cold snowy weather, you may think you don't have many options for outdoor activities, but here's one that will get you moving - and laughing!

Image via WikipediaSledding is one of those winter sports that both children and adults can enjoy. There are so many ways you can go sledding that you can make do with just about anything. It can be an impromptu  event that takes place after a snow storm has blown in. Sleds come in many different sizes so you can have one person on one or several at the same time. You can use a variety of different items as sleds - just get creative, and use your imagination!

Common household items that are often used for sledding include cardboard boxes, trash can lids, and even laundry baskets. Inner tubes are also a common item used for sledding. They are lightweight and round like a donut. You can sit on them or lay on them. You can travel to the hills around your home to enjoy sledding or even enjoy those that the snow plow makes as they remove the snow from the streets  in some cases.

The biggest problem with this type of sledding is that you have no control over the speed or how you will stop. Therefore you don’t want to climb up too large of a hill as you will pick up momentum as you go down. You also want to investigate the landing area so you won’t be at risk of running into trees or other objects that can result in an accident.

Sledding is a winter sport that the entire family can enjoy. However, make sure you protect everyone from the cold with thick gloves and hats. You also want to wear boots with plenty of traction that are waterproof. This way your feet will stay dry and reduce the risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Make sure you all pay close attention to the warning signs of these problems so you can protect against them.

It is very important for children to be supervised while sledding. They may not be paying close enough attention to how cold they are getting. You also don’t want them getting lost in the snow. Sometimes injuries happen such as bumping heads with each other or cutting a lip. While they are usually minor, having a parent around to deal with such issues is important.

If you are planning to buy a sled, the best time to buy sledding equipment is in the fall when they put out the new merchandise. You may be disappointed with what is left over if you wait too long into the season to buy them. You also don’t want to have the first snow storm come along and you don’t have anything to go sledding with as it may be too dangerous to travel to the store at that time.

Image via WikipediaSledding is one of the least expensive winter sports which also makes it very popular. You don’t have to travel and you don’t have to invest a great deal of money for the equipment. Most people already have hats, gloves, and boots for the winter time anyway. Investing is a few good sleds isn’t going to cost you very much either. Instead of being cooped up indoors during the snow, get out there and enjoy it!

Most adults feel like a kid again when they go out sledding. It is a great way to relieve childhood memories and to get some great exercise during the colder time of the year when too many people simply don’t venture out for such activities. Take your time to try out different types of sleds too so you will find those that are a good fit for your size.

(For more fun ways to exercise, even in winter, visit www.newholisticliving.com/exercise.html.)

 

Video - Ski & Snowboard Winter Workout

To get you ready for all those fun winter sports, here is a quick and easy workout you can use to prepare your muscles for the challenges of the slopes. This video gives 4 exercises to strengthen your legs and core for the motions needed for skiing or snowboarding.

Have fun, and see you on the slopes!

Ski 'n Snowboard Winter Workout
Get in shape to prevent injury and day after sore muscles with this ski and snowboard winter workout series. *Sponsor: Lose More in Less Time - www.diet.com Personal Trainer Katrina gives you the best moves to do to get in the best shape this winter ...

 

Related articles on Winter Workouts:

• Hit the slopes, not your bank balance (confused.com)
• The New Health Club Workout Proving That Fitness and Winter DO Mix (prweb.com)
• Free Ski Fitness Video Program Trains for 3-Dimensional Forces of Skiing (prweb.com)

Get your Body Ready for Winter Sports

For those of you who think getting exercise during the winter is nearly impossible where you live, think again! It's time to gear up for one of the most exciting types of exercise (for many people) -- winter sports!

There is a wide selection of winter sports that you can participate in. This is a much better (and healthier!) option than spending the winter indoors being a couch potato. It is important to realize that your body will respond differently to winter sports. Many people find it is harder to breathe and they have to wear heavier clothing while engaging in the activity in most instances.

Image via WikipediaYou need to take a very realistic approach to getting your body ready for winter sports. Take an honest assessment of your current fitness level and compare it to where you want to be. Then work hard to implement a successful exercise plan that is going to allow you to reach that goal. Don’t wait until winter starts to make changes so you will be ready for the various winter sports you want to be a part of. If you have any medical concerns you need to consult with your doctor before you begin any program to get ready for winter sports.

Try to spend up to 30 minutes at a time out in the winter weather walking or running. You should be able to do these feats without running out of breath. If you aren’t able to do this than work on it several days per week until you can. Eating a balanced diet will help you achieve this as well. Too many foods that we consume are full of carbohydrates and sugars that cause the body to feel tired. Eating right will help you have the energy you need and build lean muscle mass.

Once you have completed this without too much trouble you should start adding some aerobics and resistance exercises at least 15 minutes a day, three to four days per week. Make sure you are stretching during both of these projects to get your body in shape for winter sports. This way you reduce the risk of getting hurt while you engage in them.

Make sure you take the time to celebrate the success you have made. When you feel like you still have so much work to do, focus on what you have already accomplished. Nothing motivates a person to continue moving forward towards their overall winter fitness goals like identifying where they are at now compared to where they started from.

If you have a specific winter sport that you will want to engage in you need to look for exercises that are going to strengthen the weak areas of your body that are needed to do a good job at it. For example if you want to go ice skating you are going to need to build up strength in your legs and ankles.

Image by Nationaal Archief via FlickrFor many people that want to engage in different types of skiing, they need to improve their upper arm strength. You may be surprised at how much better you will be able to ski if your arms are strong enough to help with the balance instead of placing all the responsibility on your legs.

Make sure you pay close attention to any problems during your activity that may be a sign that you need to take a break or seek medical attention. If you feel pain in the chest, arms, or the jaw you should see a doctor. This can be a symptom of a very serious medical issue including a heart attack. If you get short of breath you should discontinue the sport and walk around until you are breathing normally again.

In order to enjoy winter sports to their fullest, you really need to be able to take your time to prepare your body. Building up the strength in your legs and arms will help you do well in the various sports offered this time of year. As you spend more time outdoors in the winter your will find your body is able to respond to the cold weather better than before.