Winter is a fantastic time to have fun with friends while shedding extra calories — especially if you’ve been indulging in cinnamon buns or lounging in bed with a bowl of nuts and your favorite series. Those cozy habits can quickly add up, leaving you struggling to fit into your favorite jeans come spring.
To save your springtime mood, AdmiGram.com has put together a list of exciting winter activities that will not only ensure a great time with friends but also help keep your body in top shape.
Winter activities to lose weight fast
Snowball fights
© Dan Nguyen / Flickr
Calories burned: 200–350 kcal/hour
The ultimate snow-filled fun, a snowball fight can help you burn as many calories as a summer jog, depending on your level of intensity. For maximum enjoyment and calorie-burning potential, invite plenty of friends to your snowy battlefield. The more you dodge, crouch to make snowballs, and throw them at your opponents, the more energy you’ll expend — and the more fun you’ll have!
Sledding
© Alex Ramon / Unsplash
Calories burned: 200–400 kcal/hour
“Love to sled, love to pull the sled,” as the saying goes. Sledding is not only a delightful way to spend time outdoors but also an effective calorie-burning workout. Choose the longest hill you can find and pull your friends or kids back uphill for an extra challenge. Depending on your effort and the weight of your “passenger,” you could easily shed 2–3 pounds (around 1 kilogram) of excess weight in a single day.
Ice skating
© Ihor Dvoretskyi / Unsplash
Calories burned: 250–450 kcal/hour
If you know how to skate, it’s practically a must to gather a group and hit the rink this winter. Even leisurely skating can help you burn around 300 kcal/hour. Add speed or practice skating techniques, and you’ll work your leg, back, and core muscles while burning even more energy than you would at the gym. Don’t forget proper protective gear to keep safe in case of falls!
Snowboarding
© Dina Badamshina / Unsplash
Calories burned: 400–600 kcal/hour
Snowboarding might seem like a simple way to pass the time on the snow, but it’s anything but easy. This winter sport challenges your core, leg, and back muscles to the max. Spend 2–3 hours on a snowy weekend gliding down the slopes, and you’ll burn nearly double the calories you would during a gym session of the same duration.
Skiing
© Alexey Ruban / Unsplash
Calories burned: 400–700 kcal/hour
Skiing takes the top spot among all winter activities for calorie burning. Not only is it gentler on the joints than running, but depending on the intensity, skiing can burn 2–3 times more energy. Cross-country skiing is particularly effective for cardio and toning your abs. Just remember to gear up properly with the right sportswear, maintain smooth and even movements, and enjoy the experience with a cheerful group of friends.
Embrace winter fun while staying fit and energized!
image on top: Inês Mendes / Flickr
