Generally, figure skating is a fun and exciting sport that doubles up as a perfect form of exercise. It is also engaging thus making it easier for you to stick to it in the long-term.
On that note, below are some of the reasons why you should consider using figure skating as a tool to achieve your fitness goals.
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Accelerates weight loss
Weight loss is one of the greatest health benefits of figure skating. This is great news for overweight and obese individuals who find it difficult reaching their ideal weight.
Excess weight comes with unwanted consequences like heart disease, blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems. It also makes them more prone to cancer. In this case, figure skating offers you the opportunity to quickly loose the extra weight quickly allowing you to live a longer and fuller life.
An average person will burn approximately 200 to 650 calories for every hour they indulge in leisure skating. However, as the weight decreases, one will have to increase the duration or speed in which they skate so as to burn calories. This would also be the best time to practice more challenging moves and perfect your skills.
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Helps in building major muscle groups
Skating is a sport that involves most of the major muscle groups. However, the lower body and core muscles are the ones that reap maximum benefits.
The reason why I would recommend figure skating to women especially is because they work on pelvic floor muscles. This, in turn, improves or eliminates urinary stress incontinences that may affect older women or those that are of child-bearing age. Additionally, skating helps alleviate numerous back issues.
Another major advantage of building muscles is it increases overall strength and spikes energy levels making it easier to do everyday tasks.
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Improves bone density
Just like all other types of skating, figure skating involves jumping. Jumping is known to increase bone density. One of the benefits of greater bone density is that it prevents diseases such as osteoporosis. It also enhances good posture.
However, because skating involves a considerable amount of jumping, skaters are urged to practice soft landing. This significantly lowers the risk of suffering falls, injuries and other related issues.
Besides, skating offers flexibility which is crucial for people who suffer from bad knees. Since this is a sort that emphasizes on quick movements, it will offer the knees and other joints great workout.
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Better balance
Moving across the incredibly slippery surface trains the body to stay on your feet thus increasing balance. This aspect is especially important for dancers. So the next time you are preparing to dance during any festivity, consider figure skating as a way of improving your skills.
Apart from the above health benefits, figure skating also tones the body, minimizes gym expenses and keeps stress at bay. As mentioned earlier, the variety of skating techniques available makes it hard to get bored. As such, you are able to stick to it in the long haul.
Additionally, as you seek to reap the health benefits of skating, remember to enjoy yourself.
