Why Starting Sports in Winter is a great idea

It might not seem a good idea initially, but starting sports in winter might be the best time of the year to do s!

Bear with us and we will explain why.

It’s always tempting to batten down the hatches when the days get shorter, darker and colder and say goodbye to outdoor activities.

But, starting new sports in the winter time is massively enjoyable, beneficial and has a world of opportunities for you and your family.

So don’t put away the running shoes and outdoor clothing just yet, because we’re going to delve deeper into winter sports in this blog.

It might be the motivation you need.

Starting Sports in Winter & Getting that Fresh Start

There’s something really refreshing for mind and body about a crisp winter morning.

As the year comes to a close, a new one starts just as quick and the feeling of new beginnings can be really motivational.

This changeover period frequently results in a spurt of inspiration, a drive to make resolves, and a desire to start on new adventures.

What makes sports any different?

The winter months provide an ideal setting for new physical ambitions, set new goals, and face obstacles head on.

Just as a youngster sees snowfall as a blank canvas for imagination, adults can see winter as the ideal season to try out a sport they’ve always wanted to do.

After all, there is no better time than the present, especially when it comes with the promise of a new beginning.

Best Winter Sports to Start

There is a wide range of winter sports to consider, so you’re in luck.

Intersport Elverys has a wide range of sports in our locker too, so whatever you need we are with you on this journey.

These activities not only give warmth, but also opportunity for skill development, social contact, and a little friendly competition. Here’s a taste of the vast world of indoor sports available this winter:

• Basketball: Engage in fast-paced action, improve agility, and master the art of teamwork.
• Swimming: Dive into heated pools and enjoy a full-body workout, benefiting from the resistance water naturally offers.
• Table Tennis: Enhance reflexes and hand-eye coordination and experience the thrill of those rapid rallies.
• Badminton: With its swift shuttlecocks and strategic plays, badminton is a delightful blend of power and precision.
• Gymnastics: From floor exercises to balance beams, immerse in a sport that enhances flexibility, strength, and discipline.

These are just a few options, and the beauty of winter lies in the freedom to choose.

Whether you’re inclined towards team dynamics or solo pursuits, there’s an indoor sport waiting to captivate your interest and ignite your passion.

If you’re looking for sports for you kids, check out our Guide to Winter Sports for Kids HERE.

Enjoying the Great Outdoors: The Benefits

The appeal of winter’s cold air and glistening frost is not just a fairytale; it is also massively beneficial to the body.

Numerous studies and research have lauded the benefits of being outside, especially during the cooler months.

Here are some of the reasons why embracing the winter landscape may be extremely helpful to both the body and mind:

• Enhanced Mental Well-Being: According to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, spending time outside, particularly in natural settings, can lead to lower stress levels and increased emotions of vitality.
• Improved Concentration: Spending time in outdoors, even in chilly weather, can serve as a type of “natural medicine.” Walking in nature has been shown in studies to increase concentration and cognitive functioning, which is known as the “restorative effect” of nature.
• Boost your Vitamin D: Outdoor exposure can aid with vitamin D consumption even in the winter. While the sun may be more reticent, its rays, when combined with outdoor activity, can lead to higher vitamin D levels, which are important for bone health and immune system function.
• Burn more calories: In colder weather, the body works harder to regulate its temperature, resulting in a larger calorie burn during winter outdoor activities. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, cold weather can even activate brown fat, a form of body fat that burns energy and generates heat.
• Better Sleep Patterns: Natural light exposure, particularly in the morning, can help reset our internal biological clocks. According to Sleep Medicine Clinics study, this shift can lead to more restful and refreshing sleep.
• Social Involvement: Winter sports or group treks might serve as social outlets. According to the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, social connections, particularly in the context of pleasurable activities, relate to improved emotions of well-being and decreased symptoms of depression.

Less crowds, better coaching

Winter frequently sees a drop in the amount of people signing up for new sports or activities, but this might work to your advantage.

Starting a new activity or hobby during this season can provide some unexpected benefits:

• Trainers or coaches can provide more focused, individualised attention with fewer people present. This not only offers a better learning experience, but also faster growth as your specific demands are met.
• Better Deals: During the winter season, sports centres and clubs may make enticing offers and discounts to encourage participation. This can result in cost reductions for both classes and necessary equipment.
• Improved Experience: Fewer people means a more relaxing atmosphere. Whether it’s a calmer swimming pool, a less frenetic dance class, or a less crowded skiing slope, the experience is enhanced when there’s room to breathe and move freely.
• Bonding Possibility: In smaller groups, there is a greater opportunity of building intimate ties with fellow members. Shared hardships and accomplishments in a small group can result in long-lasting friendships.
• Taking up a new hobby in the dead of winter may seem paradoxical, but the advantages are palpable. Winter actually provides a perfect opportunity to dive into anything new, from personalised instruction to economic benefits and a calmer study environment.

Get a head start on Summer

Sports and sports involvement come alive in the summer time!

But often the winter is the best opportunity to get a really good head start in your training in whatever sport you are taking part in.

So when the summer months roll around you’ll reap the rewards of your hard work.

• Starting in the winter allows you to improve skills, stamina, and confidence over a longer period of time. When others are just getting started in the summer, you’ll be miles ahead, ready to take on advanced challenges or even competitions.
• Summer Body in Winter: If you have fitness or body goals, winter is the ideal time to focus on them. Instead of rushing to get in shape a month before beach season, you’ll have been working towards your goals gradually and regularly, delivering greater and more sustainable results.
• Outside Transition: Many sports and activities can be performed in both indoor and outside environments. For example, practising yoga indoors during the winter and then shifting to outdoor sessions in the summer can give benefits.
• Mental Boost: Knowing you’ve used the colder months productively provides a distinct sense of accomplishment. This sense of accomplishment and positivity can provide a mental boost, establishing a positive tone for the rest of the year.
• Seamless Seasonal Shift: Starting in the winter also avoids jarring seasonal transitions in your routine. Your activity becomes a year-round habit, resulting in increased consistency and dedication.

Conclusion

Winter offers a unique opportunity to start fresh and get ahead, whether it’s picking up a new sport or improving your fitness game.

By embracing winter’s offerings, you’re not just making the most of this season but setting yourself up for success in the coming months.

Don’t let the cold deter you; instead, see it as a chance to stand out, prepare for summer, and achieve those goals. Remember, every season has its advantages — it’s all about perspective.

And if you’re looking for the best gear or advice to kickstart your winter sports journey, Intersport Elverys got you covered.