There’s nothing quite like the feeling of gliding over the ice on skates. While you may not be able to go head-to-head with 2010 Olympic gold medalist Evan Lysacek, every Olympian starts somewhere.

While it may seem like a fun pastime, figure skating also burns calories. If you weigh 150 pounds, you’ll burn about 640 calories by doing an hour of vigorous ice skating. To calculate your hourly burn rate, multiply 4.25 by your weight in pounds.* The more you add to your continuous loops around the rink, the more calories you burn – throw in a few turns and feet changes, and you’re up to 800 or so calories an hour.

Whether you’re in it to compete or just take on a new challenge, figure skating is a phenomenal workout. “Skating movements come mainly from your legs, butt and back, which will all tone up through skating. You will certainly improve your flexibility through long strides and tighten your core through the balancing act that is figure skating,” Kenny Moir, Director of Figure Skating at Sky Rink, explained to me.

So, put a little chill in your fitness regime and keep yourself active during these exciting Vancouver games. 

*Excerpted from The Chelsea Piers Fitness Solution. To learn more or to purchase, click here.

Climbing is all about challenging yourself.  You never stop improving, from the first time you put your foot onto a wall to the elite level, because there’s always a harder climb you can aspire to next.  And while expert climbers make it look easy, the sport is intense, combining focus, strength and flexibility.  But it’s also easier than it may seem to a leery beginner.  And many accomplished climbers are so enthusiastic about the sport that they are eager to help a newcomer.

Some climbers first come to the wall because they want a great workout; but they stay because, mentally and physically, the sport is like nothing else.  Many people think that they won’t like climbing or be able to do it; but you won’t know for sure until you try it, because the skills you need are unexpected and untested by most other activities.*

If you’re interested in climbing, but don’t want to deal with the responsibility of equipment or ropes, then iCLIMB is the class for you. Whether you’re new to rock climbing or can’t remember how to belay, do not worry. After iCLIMB, you’ll be able to navigate the wall like a pro.

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It’s rare to grow up in the United States and never set foot on a volleyball court, since the sport is a classic choice in school PE classes.  Not everyone has a good experience in P.E.—but if that includes you, don’t let it stop you from trying volleyball as an adult.  It’s not unusual to find that your abilities and interest in the game improve with age.

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