Low Impact Winter Sports to Try
A Healthier Michigan
| 3 min read
Up to half of Americans get less exercise in the winter than in the warmer months. Cold temperatures, inclement weather, travel plans and holiday schedule changes can get in the way of many routine exercises such as outdoor running, walking and sports. Many winter sports, such as skiing and hockey, are high-impact or contact sports that may not appeal to many people. Here are some low-impact winter sports and exercises to include in your cold weather exercise plans:
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing winter trails can be great exercise and will get you outdoors and in the open air, which can help increase sunlight levels and benefit your mood. Snowshoeing is a low-impact winter workout like walking or hiking. Michigan has many winter trails available to snowshoe, and many Michigan parks offer snowshoe rentals as well.
Ice skating
Ice skating can be done outdoors at safe skating areas or indoors at skating rinks and can help improve strength and balance while also providing a cardio workout. Ice skating is relatively low-impact and can be a great social form of exercise.
Hiking or Nordic walking
Hiking doesn’t have to end in autumn when the leaves are done changing. Winter hiking can be a gorgeous and invigorating exercise. Nordic walking involves the use of hiking poles and a longer gait, which can help with balance, footing and can increase the cardio effects of the workout.
Curling
Curling is a winter team sport originating from Scotland hundreds of years ago – you’ve likely seen it in a Winter Olympics. Players take turns sliding heavy granite stones, which can weigh more than 40 pounds, down an ice track toward a target. Playing this sport on the ice can help with balance, and sliding the stone and sweeping can give you a strength and core workout.
Make a snowman or build a snow fort
Get in the winter wonderland spirit and build a snowman or a snow fort. Rolling and moving piles of snow can get your heart pumping and be a real workout. Have fun with it and you may forget you are exercising.
Swimming and water aerobics
Swimming laps in the winter isa great way to get a low-impact workout indoors. Many indoor pool facilities and sports clubs offer lap swimming or open swim hours at varying times of day, as well as swim instruction if you need to learn to improve your swimming skills.
Water aerobics is another aquatic option for a low-impact workout and is usually offered in group or exercise class settings. Often, floating weights or resistance bands can be used in water aerobics to add strength and balance training to the existing cardio workout. Working out in the water alleviates much of the weight supported by your joints and can reduce the overall impact of the workout.
Yoga and Pilates
Yoga, Pilates and other balance and movement-based exercises such as Tai Chi are great indoor workout options for winter. These are low-impact and can help to build or maintain core strength and balance. They can also be done at home, alone or in a workout class.
