It has been said multiple times by health experts that we are in for one of the worst winters we could ever experience in our lifetime. But if we take every safety and health precaution they recommend, the COVID-19 crisis shouldn’t preclude us from staying fit and healthy through winter sports. Here are some surprising benefits of playing, exercising, and working out during the coldest time of the year:
They are done outdoors.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that staying in an enclosed space with poor ventilation for a long period, with people you don’t live with, and especially if we’re not keeping our distance or wearing our masks, increases our risk of being infected by the virus that causes COVID-19. The good thing about winter sports is that they’re more often than not held outside in the snow, with people already wearing masks, goggles, and bundled up properly.
For example, Bogner ski men‘s collection includes insulating jackets that offer style on top of protection and comfort and other protective gear like gloves, goggles, and ski masks, completely covering up the skiers from head to toe.Of course, these safety measures don’t eliminate the risk. Still, if we abide by health experts’ recommendations for staying safe-like keeping a physical distance of no less than six feet, staying away from crowded areas, and limiting interaction with others-we might be able to lower our risk of being exposed to the virus.
It strengthens our immune system.
Exercising outside has multiple benefits: It helps get our blood pumping and exposes us to vitamin D-a nutrient that’s known for fighting off germs in our body. Some research also found that working out during wintertime can help decrease our chances of catching the flu or a cold because moving our body and exercising increases our blood circulation and can flush the bacteria out of our airways and lungs.
They enhance our mental health and well-being.
Have you ever heard of seasonal affective disorderwith the apt acronym S.A.D.?It’s a real phenomenon that takes place with the changing of seasons. If, for some inexplicable reason, you’ve ever felt blue to the point of being unable to find consolation every time fall or winter comes, it’s like that seasonal affective disorder is to blame. Moving your body by doing fun outdoor activities during wintertime might be able to curb the symptoms. Sunlight can be an instant pick-me-upper, and physical activity releases endorphins, which are also known as happy hormones.
It helps prevent winter weight gain.
For many of us, winter becomes a time to hibernate-and there’s no shame in that since we all deserve to rest after what has been a tough year. But moving our bodies and engaging in physical activity can also be a form of rest if we find that it gives us pleasure and if we’re doing it with excitement and joy. At the same time, engaging in winter sports can help keep winter weight gain at bay.
Here are some winter sports you can try this season:
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Ice skating
- Sledding
- Snowmobiling
Be Safe
Practicing health experts’ recommendations for curbing infections is not just to keep yourself healthy; it’s also for others’ good. So if you’re going to engage in these winter activities, find places where there aren’t a lot of crowds, limit face-to-face interactions with others, keep your mask on at all times, wash your hands thoroughly, and be mindful of physical distancing. With the right precautions in place, you can find ways to stay healthyandhappy during this winter season.
