Curling Is Cardio (and Donuts): The Truth About Fitness on Ice 🥌🍩
Let’s get one thing straight: curling doesn’t look like your typical HIIT workout. But don’t let the slow-motion sliding fool you — your heart does get working, your muscles do get taxed, and yes, sometimes you’ll justify eating a donut afterward. Because, balance.
Welcome to the weird world where sweeping rescues rocks and donuts repair your soul.
1. The “Hidden” Cardio of Curling
Sweeping = full-body cardio
When you sprint down the ice and sweep like your life depends on it, your heart rate rises faster than you expect. The core, shoulders, arms, and legs all get involved. Especially in those nail-biting ends where “sweep harder!” becomes your unofficial team chant.
Lunges, sliding, balance — it all adds up
Each time you slide out from the hack, you’re engaging quads, glutes, and stabilizers. Stepping on and off the hack, transitioning between shots, chasing rocks — it all contributes to your steps and your calorie burn.
Recovery breaks (and gossip) included
You’ll often catch yourself catching your breath behind the hog line or chatting while the other team’s thinking. That’s okay — those pauses actually mirror interval training: you push, then you rest, then push again.
So yes, curling can count as cardio — in a fun, unpredictable, sweep-filled way.
2. The Donut Factor: Because Life Deserves Balance
Okay, so maybe calling it “cardio” gives curling more credit than it deserves on an off-night. That’s where donuts come in.
- Post-game tradition: Many clubs (especially small ones) have snacks, fundraising bakes, or potlucks. A chocolate donut or sticky bun often finds its way to the snack table.
- Mental reward: After sweeping your guts out, it feels justifiable to reward with a treat. “I earned this!” becomes your internal mantra.
- Social glue: That moment when the ice lights turn off, and your team migrates to the lounge — passing around sweets, chatting about shots and strategy — that’s part of the sport culture.
So whether your after-curling ritual is donut + coffee, chili + buns, or pizza + tall tales, embrace it. (Yes, I’m eyeing our post “Why Curling Practice Is Just an Excuse for Post-Game Pizza” for inspiration.)
3. Muscles that Hurt (in a Good Way)
Curling might not build bodybuilder shoulders, but you’ll feel some satisfying soreness:
- Core & lower back — from maintaining balance during slides and holds.
- Legs & glutes — from lunges, hack launches, and sweeping posture.
- Arms, forearms & shoulders — sweeping hard is no joke.
- Cardiovascular system — especially during “stretch ends” when you’re chasing speed.
If you ever say, “My sweep right arm is stiff,” congratulations — you’re officially curling-swole.
4. Making Curling Fitness a Real Habit
Here are some friendly tips to upgrade fitness levels so you can sweep harder (and enjoy more donuts guilt-free):
| Tip | What to Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Off-ice cardio bursts | Jog, bike, or do jump rope in 10-minute increments | Builds stamina so sweeping feels less brutal |
| Strength & mobility work | Squats, lunges, planks, shoulder work, hip mobility drills | Prevents injury and improves balance |
| “Dry-land sweeping” | Simulate sweeping motion at home with broom & foam roller | Reinforces muscle memory |
| Stretch & recover | Focus on hamstrings, calves, shoulders | Reduces stiffness after long nights on ice |
| Track progress | Keep a funny journal: “Tonight swept 200 strokes; regret 1 donut” | Motivation and a great blog post idea later |
5. Myth-busting: What Curling Isn’t
- It’s not a gentle stroll on ice. You will sweat, breathe, and, yes, sometimes curse.
- It’s not full-on CrossFit. But it is enough that your sneakers (or sliders) may feel tight after a few seasons.
- It’s not purely social — though that’s the best part. The fitness is real, but the laughs, friendships, and stories make you want to come back.
Earlier we poked fun at all the yelling (check out “When You Realize Curling Is the Only Sport Where Yelling Helps”). If you thought that post was pure comedy — behind the jokes is truth: the emotional energy helps you push through the fatigue.
And if you ever attended a bonspiel with wild costumes and crowd energy, you probably read “When Curling Goes Bananas: The AMJ Masters and the Rise of Peel Party Culture”. That party energy fuels your sweep spirit.
6. (Soft) Merch Nudge: Shirts That Sweat (in Style)
If curling gives you a workout, your gear should be up to the task — and fun. That’s where curling merch (especially funny curling shirts) comes in. Rock a tee that says “I’d Rather Be Sweeping” or “Donuts Fuel My Delivery” and watch your teammates nod approvingly.
Need custom designs for your team? Or want matching workout-friendly curling gear? We’ve got you covered. (Yes, I’m subtly pointing toward the Threadless store because… why not?)
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Curling-Cardio Balance
Curling is weird. It’s low, it’s loud, it’s sweeping, sliding, shouting, laughing, and then — somehow — feeling like you ran a kilometer after eight ends. And yes, that donut after? Totally earned.
Whether you’re a curious newbie, a league regular, or someone shopping for gifts (hello, curling team gifts), just know: your body and your funny bone both win. So bring your lungs, your sweep game, and your sweet tooth. Curling is cardio and donuts — and that’s the beauty of the sport.