Do you love to train outdoors and don't shy away from snow and ice? Or are you looking for alternatives to the gym that bring a little variety to your fitness routine this winter? It doesn't matter whether you live in the city or in the country, by the sea or in the mountains - here are the ten coolest winter sports that are lots of fun and keep you fit too.
# 1 ice skating
The classic for winter sports fans and a must for anyone who wants to train their balance and fitness is ice skating. When gliding over icy surfaces, you can burn up to 300 kCal per hour and also strengthen all of your muscles. The combination of ultra-narrow runners and a smooth surface is a real challenge for your sense of balance.
The great thing about winter sports: You can do it almost anywhere. There are numerous artificial ice rinks in cities and in the countryside, frozen lakes or ponds can be used for ice skating when the temperature is right. Be sure to inquire beforehand about the load-bearing capacity of the natural area - safety first!
# 2 snowboarding
The classic snowboarding should not be missing from the list of winter sports. What you need for this is a snow-covered descent, either in a ski area or in an indoor ski area. When snowboarding, you stand on the side of a board and, unlike when skiing, you have no sticks to support you. This means that you only move by shifting your body weight. This particularly demands balance and strengthens the core and leg muscles.
Do you go longboard or skateboard in summer? Then you have a clear advantage when it comes to snowboarding and you should definitely put the winter sport on your must-try list.
Skiing is one of the oldest and most popular winter sports. Even beginners will quickly get their money's worth - ideally, you should attend one or more ski courses before you hit the slopes with the pros. Unlike snowboarding, you stand on two skis and have a ski pole in each hand to support you. Movement requires less balance, but skiing is an effective form of fitness training. Depending on your ability and technique, you burn up to 450 kCal per hour.
Cross-country skiing is somewhat easier on the joints, but no less strenuous. The perfect endurance training for anyone looking for an alternative to jogging on snowy days.
# 4 snowshoeing
Hiking is still an underrated sport. The great thing about it: You are in the fresh air, discover the beauty of nature and train your entire body. Because hiking burns between 100 and 500 kCal per hour , depending on the speed and incline. In the snow, hiking is even more demanding and requires extra muscle power, especially in the buttocks and legs.
Anyone who is out and about in the snowy winter landscape should fall back on so-called snowshoes. There are special claws under the soles that give you support when crossing alpine terrain.
# 5 snowkiting
Anyone who discovered kiting for themselves in summer does not have to do without it in winter. Snowkiting is the perfect thrill for adventurous winter sports fans. Equipped with a special snowboard and a large towing kite, you slide over the white powder snow or do daring tricks. Professionals can reach up to 100 kilometers per hour.
Good wind conditions, sufficient snow, and plenty of space are prerequisites for fun sports. In Germany, the Feldberg in the Black Forest is a popular destination for snow kiters. As a beginner, you can also book a taster course here.
# 6 cold water surfing
Who says you have to put your surfboard in the basement in winter? Those who are not exactly chilblains can ride waves on their board all year round. Coldwater surfing is becoming more and more popular. No wonder: The conditions in the water are usually even better than in summer, you have little competition on the line-up and surf courses or trips are much cheaper than in the high season. Another plus point: Surfing is an effective full-body sport that not only improves your fitness but also strengthens your upper body muscles in particular.
Prerequisites for water sports in the cold are an extra thick wetsuit, a hood for the head, gloves, and neoprene shoes.
# 7 Ice swimming
Ice Ice, baby! Do you fancy a dip in the cold water? Ice bathing is wellness and sport in one - for everyone who is in good health. Admittedly, it takes a lot of effort to climb into a lake, the sea, or an ice barrel at temperatures around freezing point. But if you dare, you can strengthen your immune system and cardiovascular system through regular winter bathing. And that will benefit you in summer at the latest when you do a long run or a hard HIIT workout - and suddenly endure much longer than usual!
Important for ice swimming, which is not without risks: Never go into the water alone, stay in the icy water for only a few seconds or minutes and warm up before and afterward.
# 8 outdoor HIIT
In summer, the city's parks and fitness trails are a magnet for fitness enthusiasts who work up a sweat here with squats, push-ups, and pull-ups. And in the winter months, when it's rather cold outside and dark for a long time? The weaker self is much bigger than in sunshine, but it is worth stepping out of your comfort zone. Outdoor training clears your head, allows you to surpass yourself, strengthens your self-confidence and your immune system. So why not attend an outdoor HIIT workout or boot camp in winter? The practical thing about the intensive workout method: You can train anywhere and just 20 to 30 minutes at a time are enough to fully exhaust yourself.
# 9 Winter yoga
Yoga is an absolute trend sport that motivates sports enthusiasts and those who don't like sports like to get on the mat. The millennia-old asana practice is considered a healthy balance to constant sitting and can improve your performance in other disciplines such as running or weight training. Yoga strengthens the muscles, increases flexibility, and ensures mental relaxation. And that, regardless of whether you are flowing through the sun salutation under the summer or winter sun.
Winter yoga is a great sporty change for the cold season: the movements are significantly faster than in summer yoga practice and the experience is more intense for the body and mind. Just ask the yoga schools in your area about their winter course schedule!
# 10 indoor beach volleyball
Admit, you are absolutely not a winter fan and you long for that summer feeling? Then you should team up with a few fitness-loving friends and rent an indoor beach volleyball court. The ball sport trains from head to toe, especially the jumping power, the coordination skills as well as the upper body and leg muscles. And when you smack on the fine beach sand, the time goes by until the cold winter is over much faster.
Conclusion
Anyone who wants to do sports away from the gym and home gym in winter has plenty of choices. While the classics such as skiing and snowboarding lure into the mountains, city dwellers can get their money's worth with ice skating, winter yoga, and outdoor HIIT. The hard-core will find the perfect thrill with snowkiting, ice bathing or cold water surfing. And if you prefer to spend the winter in the warm, you can have a workout at indoor beach volleyball.
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