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.

Gear Guide for Running In Bad Weather

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every day was sunny and temperate? It sure would make it easier to run (or perform other types of outdoor activities). However, the weather just doesn’t behave like that in most places and if it did, it might be boring.

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There’s something fun about running in the rain or the cold. It wakes you up and challenges you to work harder. The key to a safe and fun bad weather run rests in your gear choices. Here are a few recommendations and tips.

Protect Your Feet

In cold weather you will likely want to wear warmer socks. Yet it can be difficult to find socks that are warm but not thick. Thick socks won’t fit inside your running shoes, or can make them too tight which inhibits circulation. Consider wool socks. There are some wonderful wool socks designed for running. They wick away moisture and keep your feet warm. They’re also good for running in warm weather too.

Rainy, slushy weather also results in wet feet. Wet feet mean blisters. Sock choice is important. However, you can also protect your feet with gaiters. Gaiters are little water proof sleeves that strap over your shoe and rise above your ankle. They sit on the outside of your shoe to keep the water out.

Stay On Your Feet

In the winter trails and sidewalks can be slippery. There are a few solutions to help you stay on your feet and off the ground. YakTrax are one brand of traction device that straps to the outside of your shoe. MicroSpikes are another option. They screw into the bottom of your shoe to provide traction. There are many choices to consider depending on where you run and the thickness of ice you’re dealing with.

Lined tights. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Stay Warm

Many times you don’t need much to keep you warm even on the coldest of days. True, you may be chilly for the first half mile. However your body warms up quickly when you run. On the coldest of days consider wearing a hat and gloves. Wool is a favorite however fleece and other materials work well too.

Tights keep your legs warm. Standard tights may not be enough on cold days. You may want to look into buying lined tights. They’re wonderful under snow pants for sledding, snowshoeing, and skiing too.

Upper body warmth can be found by wearing layers. A silk or thermal base layer topped by a thin fleece and a windbreaker should be enough to keep your body warm. If not, consider adding a vest to keep your core warm.

Get Waterproof

Not everyone wants to be protected from the water. Many waterproof items don’t have the ability to breathe. However, if you dislike being wet consider looking into water resistant instead of water proof. Several main sporting lines have recently come out with water resistant fitness wear to protect athletes in inclement weather.

Bad weather isn’t a reason to stay indoors. With a little planning and preparation you can run in just about any type of weather. You may find that these runs are the most fun - enjoy the brisk air, the crunchy leaves or the winter wonderland around you!


Bad Weather Running Gear:
   

Video - How to Ice Skate

If Thursday's article piqued your interest in ice skating, check out this quick video for some tips from an expert skater. These tips and basic steps will get you moving around the ice. You will learn forward movements, backwards, and curves/turns, as well as stopping, and a simple spin for a little challenge.

It's not as good as an in-person class, but it will at least give you an idea of some of the techniques that can be helpful when you are learning to skate, and it is all explained in very simple step-by-step terms.

Enjoy!

How to Ice Skate
Festive ice rinks are open all over the country this time of year, so we've asked our expert Lara to give us an ice-skating masterclass. . Follow us on twitter at twitter.com

The Excitement of Figure Skating

Image via WikipediaIf you've ever admired figure skating in the Winter Olympics, why not try it for yourself? If you've mastered the basics of ice skating, figure skating can provide a fun and exciting challenge.

Figure skating is a type of ice skating that involves learning difficult routines and movements on the ice. Many people love to watch amateur and professional figure skating because the competitors are able to gracefully twist, leap, and twirl around as they glide along the ice.

The most difficult element of figure skating for most people to master is spinning. The faster you skate the faster you can spin, but keeping your balance and going from a spin back to skating without being disoriented is not a simple feat. The secret is to center the ice skates as you go into the spin. This will give it a uniform look and keep the body from looking like it is moving from side to side during the spins.

There are plenty of different types of spins that an ice skater can perform once you have the basic concept. Some require both feet to be on the ice with the leg straight and others require the knees to be bent and the skater in a squatting position. Others require one leg to be lifted off the ground at hip length or even placed behind the head! It takes plenty of skill to be able to do this with ice skates on so be ready to practice long and hard!

Image via WikipediaFor most of us, figure skating is something we will continue to watch from the stands or on TV. While it is an exciting winter sport, figure skating often requires too much time and effort for most people to put into learning. However, if it is something you've always wanted to try, don't hold back! Look for a rink that offers classes, and try a few to see if it is really up your alley. You may find it is not for you, or you may discover a new passion that offers great exercise and fun combined!



(Remember to consult with a qualified instructor as well as your personal trainer, to make sure you are in good enough shape to try figure skating, and that you are performing the moves correctly to avoid injury.)

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

Is Yoga The Perfect Exercise?

Is Yoga the perfect form of exercise and relaxation?  Let's make a list of what our ideal type of exercise would do.  Firstly it would be simple enough that anyone could do it, but have enough variations and different methods that it would maintain the interest of someone who had been practicing it for years.  It would need to be easy to learn so that people could pick up the basics quickly and stat seeing the benefits as soon as possible.

Image via WikipediaTo be a perfect form of exercise it would need to be capable of keep our body in good shape all by itself.  It would help with weight loss, circulation and increasing the strength of the muscles.  It would stimulate the lymphatic system as well as the blood flow and help the body dispose of waste products, improving the overall immune response system.  It would also have benefits that went beyond health - the sharpening of the mind and an increased sense of well being and contentment.  Ideally it would be an exercise form that required no expensive equipment and that could be practiced practically anywhere, alone or in a group.

This is quite a demanding set of prerequisites for a perfect form of exercise.  Let's see if Yoga measures up to these standards.

Yoga is a discipline that has it's routes in India.  The documents that modern Yoga is based on are hundreds of years old, and the principles behind these documents were practiced long before that.  It is a low impact form of exercise that has been tweaked and customized by literally thousands of different teachers and enthusiasts.  The are numerous resulting 'styles' of Yoga, but they all have the same core background and beliefs.  What we refer to as Yoga in the West is usually the physical component of an entire life philosophy that has it's own beliefs and code of ethics built in.

The physical focus of Yoga is on poses and slow movements that are low impact and usually use nothing more than our own body.  Sometimes props and supports are used to assist the body in achieving and holding a particular pose.  The poses can vary greatly in their degree of difficulty and even the same pose can have many different stages or levels.  The perfect example is a simple forward stretch.  One person may be able to stretch out past their knees, another may be able to reach their ankles and somebody else may be able to touch the floor.  This level of progression allows us to see a physical difference in our flexibility level as we practice Yoga more regularly.  And because Yoga does not require any special equipment we are not refined to set class times and can practice Yoga anywhere and any time the fancy takes us.  We can even do breathing exercises to clear the mind while sitting at a work desk.

Yoga has some incredible health benefits which stem from controlled breathing and increased blood flow.  Our bodies organs simply do not operate at peak efficiency unless they are receiving the oxygen and nutrients that they need.  The waste products from our muscles and organs are carried away by the lymphatic system.  Both systems can develop chokepoints and blockages that different Yoga poses will address and correct.  The result is a better more regular blood pressure, a more efficient immunity system and a optimal digestive process.

Image by VinothChandar via FlickrBecause Yoga movements are slow and simple, the focus on correct breathing has a pronounced mental affect on the body.   It provides us with an enhanced ability to focus, and to un-clutter our thoughts.  This is a valuable edge in modern life and its importance should not be under estimated.

Finally many regular Yoga enthusiasts will tell you that there is a spiritual side to Yoga, how far this affects an individual will probably depend on their beliefs before they begin practicing Yoga, but it can perhaps be thought of most accurately with a greater comfort and connection with your own body.  The increased acceptance of yourself, and comfort with your own being results directly in more happy people.

So, it looks like Yoga does indeed check all the boxes and can be thought of as a perfect exercise form. Plus, it's really fun!  Check out a class near you, or try some of the yoga DVDs we recommend here, or at http://www.newholisticliving.com/exercise.html. They're very affordable, and you can then practice your yoga at home anytime you like.

Good resources for practicing yoga:
 

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.)