Ice sports are a popular form of exercise and a great way of getting fit – and they’re not just for winter. If you’re interested in giving ice sports a go I have some tips.

Ice sports have a host of health and fitness benefits. Skating helps improve co-ordination and balance, burning 450-600 calories an hour – or 950 if you’re speed skating. Leg strength is helped by regular ice skating and, according to a study in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, taking up regular ice hockey can increase bone density.

Which ice sport is right for you?

There are lots of different sports that involve ice, each with their own unique benefits. Some of the options include:

Ice skating – a form of skating exercise performed on ice.
Speed skating – a high-adrenaline, fast-paced sport involving skating at speed on ice.
Figure skating – similar to ballroom dancing but on ice. Individuals or couples perform ice skating routines and moves to music.
Curling – similar to boules, curling involves skill and strategy, as two teams of four players slide heavy polished granite stones across the ice to a circular target.
Ice hockey – the game of hockey, but adapted for ice.

How to get started with ice sports

If you’re keen to take up an ice sport, it’s a good idea to find a reputable instructor or course to give you access to all the equipment and training you need.
You can get a taster for ice skating at seasonal ice rinks but, to find permanent rinks or various types of ice skating lessons, the National Ice Skating Association is a good place to start.

To find an ice hockey team or club in your area, the English Ice Hockey Association Recreational Section can help.

If you’re tempted to try curling, the English Curling Association has information about curling lessons.

Getting started

Ice skating requires leg strength, as well as a combination of co-ordination, balance and flexibility.

Without the specific muscle and balance training, you will not only progress at a slower rate, but also run the risk of injury. Good leg strength is also important for other ice sports, such as ice hockey and curling.

In order to build leg strength, try sitting against a wall with your knees at a 90 degree angle, holding on for as long as possible. At first, you may only be able to hold this position for less than a minute but, with regular practice, you will be able to hold on for much longer.

Getting the right Ice skates

Ice skates are, by design, meant to fit when they are laced up. As the boot is laced, the foot will draw into the back of the skate. Ice skates that ultimately fits properly will, more often then not feel small when the foot is placed in the boot prior to lacing it. So when you put the skate on, be sure to give your heel a good kick into the back of the boot and then lace it up. » Read more: Keep Fit by Ice Skating and Playing Ice Sports