Curling
Stone-sliding team game on ice.
How to start
Join a taster session at a curling club. You slide a stone along the ice and sweep. Clubs supply equipment.
How to progress
Join a league.
What the evidence says
Evidence: limited
We found no trials of this particular activity. It is a low-intensity social sport.
Take care: Ice is slippery. Wear grippers and watch your footing.
Sources
12-week starter plan
A weekly social game.
Tick each week as you finish it; your ticks are saved on this device only. Repeat a week if it felt hard. Weeks 4, 8 and 12 hold steady so you can settle. This is a general plan, not medical advice.
Add reminders to your calendar
Pick your days and time. You will download a calendar file that adds 12 weeks of reminders to Google, Apple or Outlook calendar.
Calories and weekly minutes
Enter your details for a rough estimate. Based on about 3 METs (Typical effort for this activity (estimated)). Real figures vary by 20% or more between people.
Tips and common mistakes
Tips
- Use a gripper on your shoe.
- Take a taster session.
- Enjoy the team side.
Common mistakes
- Wearing slippery shoes.
- Skipping warm-up.
- Overreaching.
Kit and cost
Low Approximate UK prices.
- Club equipment (supplied)
- Warm, flexible clothing
- Session fee (about £10 to £20)
Frequently asked questions
Is curling for all ages?
Yes.
Do I need to skate?
No.
Is it exercise?
Light, with some sweeping.
Good for: Fun & social Skill
Compare with similar options
| Curling | Ice Skating | Snowshoeing | Skiing (Alpine) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical session | 120 min × 1/wk | 60 min × 1/wk | 90 min × 1/wk | 240 min × 1/wk |
| Effort | ●○○○○ | ●●○○○ | ●●○○○ | ●●●○○ |
| Cost | Low cost | Low cost | Low cost | High cost |
| Equipment | Some equipment | Some equipment | Some equipment | Specialist kit |
| Impact | Low impact | Medium impact | Low impact | Medium impact |
| Fitness needed | Any level | Any level | Any level | Some fitness |
| Evidence | limited | limited | limited | limited |