Ice skating often disappears from our radar screen once the Winter Olympics have passed, but it’s a great wintertime alternative to running or cycling. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, a 150-pound person burns about 600 calories for every hour of nonstop ice skating, about the equivalent of jogging five miles in an hour. If you factor in stopping, turning and other skating maneuvers, the calorie burn can exceed 800 calories per hour.

Skating works a variety of muscle groups, but mainly the inner thigh, hamstrings, glutes and lower back. It also helps to develop core strength and balance. Unless you’re doing acrobatic leaps, it’s a relatively low-impact sport (falls to the ice notwithstanding). Proper-fitting skates will help keep you upright and avoid ankle injuries. If you’re not too sure of your skating ability, consider a helmet as well. Experts suggest taking a few easy laps around the rink to warm up first.

Local outlets: Seventh Mountain Resort, 693-9124; Sunriver Village, 593-5948. Skate rentals available at both locations.

— Markian Hawryluk, The Bulletin