Skating

Frozen ponds invite in winter, when it is sufficiently cold, to skating. For those who find this too bumpy or tricky, there are numerous indoor ice rinks. Whether outdoors or indoors: Ice skating is the perfect combination of sport and fun – and for the whole family. Children learn especially quickly.

Not so easy to learn

However, there is a small catch: it looks easier than it is. Until you can glide halfway elegantly over the ice, you need not only patience, but above all a certain amount of frustration tolerance. For one thing, you often end up on your backside at first, and for another, friends and relatives like to compensate for their own inability with taunts. Inline experience is helpful, by the way.

Fitness factor when skating

If you disregard the risk of injuring yourself in a fall, ice skating is a healthy sport. If you skate your lanes steadily over a longer period of time, you strengthen your heart and circulation and burn some fat on the side. With the right technique and intensity, the muscles in the buttocks and thighs are also trained. Interesting for children: ice skating trains sense of balance, body control and coordination.

Warm clothes and skates as a basis

All you need is a desire to move, warm clothes and a pair of suitable skates. The latter can also be rented – at least in ice rinks. Cost: between 2 and 5 euros.

Safety when skating

Particular caution is required if you do not skate in the hall, but on a frozen natural body of water. Here, the rule is: only enter ice surfaces when they are officially released. To prevent fall injuries, knee and elbow pads are recommended for children, and even helmets if necessary.