Get Fit with Ice-Skating - 22/12/2006

Ice-skating has enjoyed a recent resurgence in popularity thanks to last year’s hit ITV show Dancing on Ice.

Many ice rinks around the country have reported a flurry of interest in ice-skating lessons and a sharp increase in visitor numbers this year as a result of the program.

The leisure pursuit, which was a great favourite in Victorian times, has also begun to be widely promoted in schools, youth clubs and slimming groups because of it’s great fitness benefits. In an era where scientists and doctors alike are touting the benefits of increasing our levels of physical activity to decrease the risks of getting heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, ice-skating is one of the most fun and sociable ways to stay healthy. ‘Ice-skating is a good general fitness activity’, says sport and exercise expert Dr Andrew Smith from the Carnegie Institute of Sport and Education, ‘it’s low-impact, which means that it is suitable for the vast majority of the population, and it will help those who do it regularly to lose weight. Regular exercise of this kind will raise your heart rate, increase strength and stamina, and lower blood pressure. Ice-skating can also have a positive effect on balance and co-ordination.’

Going skating is also a great move if you want to tone your legs, stomach, and bottom after all the Christmas indulgence, as it shapes and tones these core muscle groups. In terms of energy expenditure, novice skaters can expect to burn an average of 350 calories for every hour they spend on the ice, whereas more proficient skaters can expect to use a whopping 500 calories. This is roughly equivalent to the calorie content of an average pizza or ten jam doughnuts. Not bad eh? Especially when you consider how much fun you’ll have while you do it.

Make it one of your New Year’s resolutions to get friends and family together, come skating. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you get the hang of it and the exercise will bring real health benefits in the long term.

Queens offer group or one-to-one skating lessons for both children and adults, so if you want to improve your skills and burn some extra fat, get in touch for more information on 0207 229 0172. Enjoy!