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Ice-Skating Benefits

Sponsor Provided Content

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BLUE CROSS RIVERRINK WINTERFEST 2015-2016

PHILADELPHIA, PA (November 4, 2015): The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) has teamed up with great Philadelphia partners: Independence Blue Cross, Garces Group, Franklin Fountain, and Groundswell Design Group to once again transform Penn's Landing into a winter wonderland called Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, open to the public from November 27, 2015 – February 28, 2016. This outdoor ice skating rink on the river is surrounded by a beautifully lit winter forest featuring a majestic holiday tree and a chalet-style Lodge with food and beverages from some of Philly's finest establishments. A new feature this year is an entire part of the site dedicated to stylized winter warming cottages, Franklin Fountain's Confectionery Cabin, and fire pits.

Blue Cross RiverRink, now in its third year as a seasonal winter park, and its 22nd year as an outdoor ice skating rink is the centerpiece of this magical winter landscape. The regulation-sized rink offers daily public skating sessions, season-long special events, parties, private functions, as well as skate rentals and sharpening. It is made possible by its founding and title sponsor Independence Blue Cross.
"Skating next to the Delaware River against the backdrop of the Ben Franklin Bridge has become a favorite winter tradition for thousands of area residents," said Kathy Albanese, Independence Blue Cross Director of Corporate Relations Development. "We're proud to continue supporting a Philadelphia institution that encourages everyone to enjoy fresh air and fun, and helps to make the region a healthier place to work, live, and play."

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Ice-Skating Benefits

1. Ice-skating is a great way to exercise outside during the winter. Beat the winter blues and avoid winter weight gain!
2. Ice-skating is easy on the joints because it's low impact, and it improves your balance and coordination.
3. Ice-skating works muscles you never knew you had! Come strengthen the small stabilizer muscles that don't get a workout in day-to-day life, in particular those around your hips, knees and ankles.
4. Easy on the joints, good for the bum!
5. It can be a great workout! Even skating slowly burns about 387 calories per hour.
6. Skating outside offers more of a workout than indoors because the wind and bumpier, harder ice make it more challenging.
7. If your leg joints creak every time you get out of bed, ice skating could offer a real solution. It can improve joint flexibility because of its emphasis on quick foot movements and supple knees.
8. Focusing on lower-body movement, ice skating is great exercise for the leg muscles. Come skate towards better fitness!

9. Ice-skating may not seem like a cardiovascular activity, but an intensive session can work out your heart and lungs, feeding muscles with oxygen more efficiently.

10. In addition to all the physical benefits, ice skating is also great for improving mental fitness. It can improve concentration, memory skills, and spatial awareness.

11. Ice-skating can help you improve your balance through fun and positive exercise. Practice staying on your feet and don't bump into your friends!

12. Beginner? Even better! It's great to try new things and laughing helps to reduce stress and irritation.

13. It is a social activity! Fun exercise with friends, family, or that special someone is great for mental health and those winter blues.

14. Cold air is known to reduce inflammation, so if you struggle with swollen knees or ankles, you will get some relief while you're out on the ice!

15. First timer or seasoned skater? Either way you'll get the terrific benefits, because you'll burn calories and increase flexibility even if you're struggling along.

16. Winter happens every year and ice-skating might help you enjoy it a lot more than you did previously.

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