Winter outdoor games and activities provide the fitness benefits you need to maintain your fitness level during the cold weather. Winter sports like skiing and skating offer the thrill of speed, but the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons warns injuries including sprains, dislocations and fractures can occur. In fact, it reports that in 2007, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 139,332 injuries from snow skiing, 164,002 injuries from snowboarding and 133,551 injuries from ice skating.
Skiing
Skiing is a popular winter outdoor activity. The rush of flying down the side of a mountain and gazing at beautiful scenery are just some of the reasons fitness enthusiasts enjoy it. Choose the right gear for safety and comfort. TeensHealth explains, the greater the length of your skis, the more difficult they are control. It recommends having your bindings adjusted by a trained professional to prevent leg injuries. Wear properly fitting boots that are snug and supportive but do not put pressure on any part of your foot. Helmets, goggles, sunglasses and mittens are other gear essentials.
Building a Snowman
Building a snowman is a constructive winter outdoor activity, according to the American Heart Association. It recommends using this creative and physical endeavor to get kids moving when they are feeling bored on a snowy day. Bundle up with a winter jacket and a hat, along with water-resistant boots and gloves. Select the items you want to use to decorate the snowman, such as a carrot nose and a top hat, before you go outside so you do not track snow into the house. Start with a large snowball. Roll it around in the snow and increase its size for the head, torso and bottom of the snowman. Roll the giant snowball onto a large plastic garbage bag or old sheet to make it easier to lift.
Snowball Golf
Create a snowball golf course to pass the time playing a winter outdoor game. This game differs from Frisbee golf in that every target is par one, meaning you must hit it in one shot. The player who gets through the course in the fewest amount of shots is the winner. The Canadian Paediatric Society warns parents in the January 2002 issue of the journal "Paediatric Child Health" that children should not throw snowballs; making this winter game for adults only. Head out to your local park to set up a series of targets including tree trunks, bushes, park benches, large stones and trash cans.
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