How To Choose A Sport & Stay Active In The Winter
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Studies have indeed found that there is a link between seasons in the year and decline in exercise patterns. As we anticipate a very harsh winter approaching here in London and many parts of the UK and some of have already begun to feel the chill, you understandably and naturally become less willing to go out. Rather than pulling up to your local sports club or leisure centre on a dark, frosty and freezing Tuesday evening you probably like to snuggle up with a cup of tea and get some sleep. Don't be put off by the weather because the lack of exercise actually increases your risk of developing heart disease. Taking part in physical activity and/or sport could improve your quality of sleep because of specific hormones which contribute to positive feelings. If you want to stay fit and healthy and more importantly help avoid the winter blues staying active can boost your mood:
The main physical exercise this blog would suggest is to take up and indoor sport like:
1. Tennis - a racket sport that can be played indoors using indoor courts. It is one of the all year round racket activities that can be more attractive to those who are very sensitive to the cold. Playing sports like tennis for the duration of just 10 minutes can burn approximately 40-70 calories according to Professor Larry A. Weinrauch's study. Tennis helps enhance co-ordination, flexibility and agility. Tennis played indoors is a sport that will get you nice and warmed up quickly due to the repeated explosive movements. You can book into sessions with other like-minded individuals if you are worried about no having anyone to go with.
2. Judo- If you are an all action person and need an activity that will help your alertness then Judo is for you. It is one of many martial arts sports that will keep you fighting fit. A sport that is very good for maximising fitness levels and could be a fantastic confidence booster. Judo is good for your balance and concentration. A study by the American College of Sports Medicine (2000) found that Judo is effective in elevating your heart rate by 70% in adults and 68% in children.
3. Fitness Lessons - Taking fitness classes during the winter can do wonders for your core strength and muscles. Fitness lessons are ideal for cross training which will ensure you work on a group of muscles all at the same time. A lot of fitness lessons involve interval training and research indicates to burn fat. A traditional fitness programme devised by Bell (2010) showed that volunteers in the traditional fitness programme improved their fitness response more significantly than the group taking regular walks as part of their regular exercise. Activities like jumping ropes and circuit training drills are useful ways of working up a sweat.
4. Basketball- The great thing about Basketball is that it one of those sports that can be played indoors and outdoors. Basketball is guaranteed to get your pulse up so it also sure to keep you warm. This sport is a top cardiovascular work out. If you are looking to build up your power and strength (which is great for the winter) basketball is a good place to start. Basketball is often popular with kids and young people so if you have children it may be a good idea to book them onto to some sessions. 12 to 14 year teenagers will especially benefit as participation in a sport like Basketball will enhance their life satisfaction according to the Zullig & White's (2009) results, something that is important during the winter months.
If you are considering taking up a sport during the winter months or increasing the intensity of your physical activity be sure you get a medical examination from your GP first before you start any sport or vigorous exercise. Furthermore, before doing any form of activity ensure you do a proper warm-up first as your muscles are much tighter and colder in the winter. Also supplement activities with eating well. In conclusion during the winter getting out where there is light should lift your mood levels
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