Monday Workout

 

Today I'd like to talk about another wonderful winter sport that is loved by most Canadians.  Skating.

Skating can be fun for the whole family, from skating in the back yard on a home made rink to ponds, to indoor rinks and outdoor rinks.  Skating is predominately a winter sport but you can skate year round. 

Some of the benefits of skating are:

balance
coordination
agility
strengthens stabilizing muscles in legs
cardiovascular exercise
dancing (yes dancing on skates)
burning calories
more alert and energetic
endurance
flexibility
challenges your mind to learn something new
self confidence

Types of Ice Skating

Ice hockey —  this Canadian pass time, sees two teams battle it out to score the most goals. Featuring bladed sticks, a hockey puck and plenty of body padding, this contact sport is certainly not for those who don't like a ruff and tumble action.  Hockey is known for it's fighting.

Figure skating — This graceful sport sees individual skaters — or groups — perform a series of dance routines in time with accompanying music. Incorporating spins, jumps and fast turns, figure skating certainly offers a more artistic form of ice skating.  This sport can be done for fun or for competition.

Speed skating — This competitive individual sport sees participants race each other across a specified distance of ice. Speed skating competitions may take place over long distances, or can just be restricted to sprints.


So get out there this year and try skating.  Get together with friends or family and make a day of it.  Share a hot chocolate and enjoy an afternoon of fun.

Resources

http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/fitness/the-fitness-benefits-of-ice-skating
http://www.healthline.com/health/its-never-too-late-learn-how-ice-skate#2
http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/ice-skating-for-beginners/