Sweeping Up Health Benefits: The Surprising Wellness Perks of Curling

From muscle endurance, cardiovascular fitness, to overall strength
In a world obsessed with high-intensity workouts that leave you gasping for air and questioning your life choices, there exists a sport that might make you scratch your head at first glance. Picture this: adults vigorously sweeping ice while someone slides a polished granite stone toward a target. No, this isn’t an elaborate housekeeping competition – it’s curling, the sport that’s simultaneously the butt of Olympic jokes and one of the most strategically complex games you’ll ever encounter.

From Medieval Scotland to Modern Ice: A Brief History of Rock Pushing
Curling originated in medieval Scotland, where locals apparently looked at frozen lakes and thought, “You know what would make this better? Pushing rocks on it!” The earliest written evidence of curling dates back to 1540 in Scotland, where participants slid common stones across frozen ponds. Think of it as the medieval equivalent of finding entertainment before Netflix existed.
Fast forward to today, and curling has evolved into a precision sport played on carefully prepared ice sheets. According to the World Curling Federation, the sport now boasts over 1.5 million registered players across 60 countries. Not bad for a game that essentially started with bored Scots on a frozen pond!
So… How Exactly Does This Work?
For the uninitiated (which, let’s be honest, is most of us every four years during the Winter Olympics), curling involves two teams of four players sliding 42-pound granite stones (called “rocks”) down a 150-foot sheet of ice toward a target (the “house”). The objective is to get your team’s stones closest to the center of the target.
Here’s where it gets interesting – and where your “what’s the point of all that sweeping?” question gets answered. Team members vigorously sweep the ice in front of the moving stone with special brooms. This sweeping actually serves two crucial purposes:
- It reduces friction, allowing the stone to travel farther
- It decreases curl (the natural tendency of the stone to curve), making the path straighter
The strategy rivals chess, with teams placing guard stones to block opponents, knocking out competitors’ stones, and setting up complex scoring situations. It’s like chess on ice, but with more sweeping and slightly more comfortable pants.

The Unexpected Physical Workout: Beyond the Broom
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Sweeping ice? That’s your idea of exercise? I do that with my kitchen floor and I’m not exactly training for a marathon.”
But here’s where curling surprises – it’s a legitimate physical workout that builds muscle endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and overall strength. Let’s break down the unexpected physical benefits with some eye-opening statistics:
Calorie Burning Machine
According to a study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, a typical curling match can burn between 1,500 and 2,000 calories – comparable to a moderate-intensity aerobic workout. The constant movement, sweeping, and squatting over a 2-3 hour period adds up to serious energy expenditure.
To put this in perspective, that’s roughly equivalent to:
- Running at a moderate pace for 90 minutes
- Swimming laps for 2 hours
- Doing yoga for 3 hours
- Frantically cleaning your house before unexpected guests arrive (we’ve all been there)
Sweeping: The Cardio You Never Knew You Needed
The sweeping motion in curling is no joke. Elite curlers can sweep at rates exceeding 90 strokes per minute during intense play. Research from the University of Saskatchewan found that sweepers’ heart rates can reach 170-200 beats per minute during vigorous sweeping – well within the zone for maximum cardiovascular benefit.
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Applied Sport Sciences found that elite curlers maintain heart rates between 60-80% of their maximum during matches, placing curling squarely in the category of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity recommended by health authorities.
For context, the American Heart Association recommends maintaining your heart rate at 50-85% of your maximum for optimal cardiovascular benefit. Curling sweepers regularly exceed this threshold, all while looking like they’re just frantically cleaning up a spill before their in-laws notice.
Lower Body Strength: The Unseen Workout
If you’ve watched curling, you’ve seen “the delivery” – that elegant lunge where the player slides the stone down the ice while assuming what looks like a very uncomfortable yoga pose. This movement requires significant lower body strength, balance, and flexibility.
Research from the University of Waterloo’s Department of Kinesiology found that regular curling practice improves:
- Quadriceps strength by up to 18% over a competitive season
- Core stability improvements of 12-15%
- Balance metrics improved by 22% compared to sedentary individuals
The delivery position engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, including quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and core muscles. Over time, this translates to improved functional strength that benefits everyday activities.
And unlike many sports that focus exclusively on lower body development, curling’s sweeping motion provides a complementary upper body workout, creating a more balanced fitness profile. Who needs a fancy gym membership when you can just push rocks on ice?

Upper Body Endurance: The Sweeping Surprise
Speaking of sweeping, let’s talk about those arms and shoulders. Competitive curlers develop significant upper body endurance through the repetitive sweeping motion.
A University of Alberta study measuring muscle activation during curling found that sweeping engages the following muscle groups at near-maximum levels:
- Deltoids (shoulder muscles): 78-92% of maximum voluntary contraction
- Triceps: 65-80% of maximum voluntary contraction
- Biceps: 45-60% of maximum voluntary contraction
For perspective, that’s comparable to the muscle activation you’d achieve doing moderate-weight repetitions at the gym. Except instead of lifting weights for 45 seconds, curlers maintain this activity for up to 25 seconds per shot, multiple times per match.
Over a competitive season, regular curlers show measurable improvements in upper body muscular endurance. One longitudinal study of collegiate curlers found a 24% increase in arm and shoulder endurance capacity over a single competitive season.
And the best part? Unlike traditional weight training that can leave you unable to lift your arms the next day, curling’s endurance-focused nature means less delayed-onset muscle soreness. You’ll still be able to reach for your coffee the morning after a match, which is more than can be said for many workout regimens.

Balance and Coordination: The Ice Factor
Moving on ice requires significant proprioception (your body’s awareness of its position in space) and balance. Curlers develop exceptional stability and coordination by navigating a slippery surface while performing precise movements.
A study in the International Journal of Exercise Science examined balance metrics among curlers compared to other athletes and found:
- Experienced curlers showed 28% better single-leg balance time than age-matched controls
- Dynamic stability tests revealed 17% better scores for curlers compared to recreational runners
- Curlers demonstrated fall prevention skills comparable to trained martial artists
This enhanced balance translates directly to everyday life, particularly for older adults. A Canadian study of curlers over 65 found they experienced 31% fewer falls over a two-year period compared to sedentary peers. Talk about a sport with practical benefits!
As someone who can trip over absolutely nothing on a perfectly flat surface, I find these statistics particularly appealing. Perhaps sweeping ice is the balance training I’ve been missing all my life.
The Mental Game: Curling’s Cognitive Benefits
While the physical benefits of curling might surprise you, the mental and cognitive advantages are equally impressive. Curling is often called “chess on ice” for good reason – it demands strategic thinking, planning multiple moves ahead, and adapting to changing conditions.
Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving
Curling requires constant decision-making and adjustment. Research from the University of Toronto’s Sports Psychology Department found that regular participation in strategy-heavy sports like curling correlated with:
- 22% improvement in executive function testing
- Enhanced working memory capacity
- Faster decision-making in complex scenarios
These cognitive benefits extend beyond the ice. A longitudinal study of older adults participating in strategic sports found they maintained cognitive function significantly better than peers who engaged only in physical exercise without strategic elements.
To put it simply: curling keeps your brain as active as your body. It’s like doing a Sudoku puzzle while jogging, except with more camaraderie and the occasional shout of “SWEEP HARDER!”
Stress Reduction and Mental Health
Despite its competitive nature, curling has shown remarkable benefits for stress reduction and mental wellbeing. The combination of physical activity, social interaction, and focused attention creates a perfect storm of mental health benefits.
A study published in the Journal of Sports Psychology in Action found that regular curling participation was associated with:
- Reduced self-reported stress levels by 26% compared to baseline
- Lower incidence of anxiety symptoms (31% decrease)
- Improved mood states, with participants reporting 38% higher positive affect scores
The focused nature of curling creates what psychologists call a “flow state” – that magical mental zone where you’re completely absorbed in an activity. This state has been linked to reduced rumination, lower stress hormones, and improved overall wellbeing.
Plus, there’s something inherently satisfying about watching a perfectly thrown stone knock your opponent’s rock out of position. It’s like all the satisfaction of revenge without any of the moral complications.
Social Connection: The Curling Community
Perhaps the most significant mental health benefit of curling comes from its strong community aspect. The sport has a tradition called “broomstacking” – where opposing teams socialize together after matches, often sharing a beverage or meal.
This social component isn’t just a nice tradition; it has measurable health benefits. Research consistently shows that strong social connections correlate with:
- Reduced risk of depression
- Lower all-cause mortality rates
- Better immune function
- Faster recovery from illness
A survey of over 5,000 curlers conducted by the World Curling Federation found that 78% cited “social connection” as a primary reason for participating in the sport, ranking it even higher than physical exercise or competition.
The Canadian Mental Health Association has recognized curling clubs as important community hubs that support mental wellbeing, particularly in rural communities where social isolation can be a significant health factor.
In an age where loneliness has been declared a public health epidemic, finding community through sports like curling can be literal lifesavers. Plus, it’s much easier to make friends when you already have a built-in conversation starter: “So, how about that incredible double takeout in the sixth end?”
Accessibility: The Sport for Almost Everyone
One of curling’s most remarkable aspects is its accessibility across age groups and physical ability levels. Unlike many sports that favor the young and already-fit, curling can be enjoyed by a remarkably diverse population.
The Lifetime Sport
While most Olympic sports see athletes peak in their 20s or early 30s, competitive curling bucks this trend entirely. Consider these statistics:
- The average age of Olympic curlers is 31, significantly higher than most Winter Olympic sports
- Many elite curlers compete well into their 40s and 50s
- Recreational curlers often play into their 80s – with dedicated senior leagues
In fact, the oldest Olympic medalist in curling was Russ Howard, who won gold with Canada at age 50. Try finding another Olympic sport where you can still dream of gold when you’re also contemplating early retirement!
This age-friendly nature means curling can provide consistent physical and mental benefits throughout the lifespan. A longitudinal study from the Canadian Health Measures Survey found that adults who participated in lifetime sports like curling maintained physical function scores 28% higher than age-matched sedentary peers.
Adaptive Curling: Inclusive by Design
Curling has also embraced inclusivity through adaptive programs. Wheelchair curling became a Paralympic sport in 2006, and numerous adaptations make the sport accessible to people with various physical limitations.
Research on adaptive curling programs has found:
- Participants report 41% improvement in quality of life measures
- Physical function improvements of 23-35% depending on baseline ability
- Significant psychological benefits, including 38% increase in self-efficacy scores
The stick delivery method, which eliminates the need for the traditional sliding delivery, makes curling accessible to those with mobility issues or joint problems. This adaptation allows people to participate who might be excluded from many other sports.
With modifications ranging from wheelchair curling to visual impairment adaptations, curling truly lives up to its reputation as one of the most inclusive competitive sports available.
The Bone Health Bonus
As we age, maintaining bone density becomes increasingly important. Here’s where curling offers an unexpected advantage – it provides weight-bearing exercise in a low-impact format that’s gentle on joints.
Research from the University of Saskatchewan examined bone mineral density in regular curlers compared to age-matched controls and found:
- Female curlers maintained 7-9% higher bone mineral density in weight-bearing areas
- Male curlers showed 5-7% higher density, particularly in the hip and spine
- Both groups demonstrated slower age-related bone density decline
The delivery lunge, sweeping motion, and general activity involved in curling all contribute to healthy bone loading without the high-impact stress that can cause joint problems in other sports. It’s like getting the bone benefits of running without the knee problems – a win-win for long-term health.
For postmenopausal women, who face accelerated bone loss, curling offers a particularly valuable exercise option. A study in the Journal of Women’s Health found that women who participated in regular curling showed 12% less bone loss over a five-year period compared to inactive controls.
The combination of resistance (during sweeping), weight-bearing activity, and balance challenges creates an ideal environment for maintaining bone health throughout the aging process. Not bad for a sport that also includes socializing and strategy!
Temperature Regulation and Cold Adaptation
Now for a benefit you probably haven’t considered – curling improves your body’s cold adaptation response. Regular exposure to the cool environment of curling rinks (typically kept around 23-28°F or -5 to -2°C) produces measurable physiological adaptations.
Research from the University of Manitoba’s Environmental Physiology Lab found that regular curlers demonstrate:
- More efficient peripheral vasoconstriction (the body’s ability to reduce blood flow to extremities in cold)
- Higher cold tolerance thresholds
- Faster thermogenesis (heat production) response to cold exposure
These adaptations have real-world benefits beyond the curling rink. Improved cold tolerance means:
- Reduced risk of cold-related injuries like frostbite
- Better maintenance of manual dexterity in cold conditions
- Less discomfort during winter outdoor activities
For those living in colder climates, these adaptations can make winter more enjoyable and less physically stressful. Think of curling as training for winter itself – you’re essentially getting paid (in fun and exercise) to become more cold-resistant!
And if nothing else, after a few seasons of curling, you’ll be the one person not complaining when the office thermostat gets set a degree lower in winter. “This? This is nothing. Try sweeping ice for three hours!”
Getting Started: Your Curling Journey Begins
If I’ve managed to convince you that sliding rocks on ice while frantically sweeping is actually a brilliant health strategy disguised as a quirky sport, you might be wondering how to get started.
The good news is that curling has experienced substantial growth in recent years. According to the United States Curling Association, the number of dedicated curling facilities in the U.S. has increased by over 50% since 2002, with more than 200 clubs now operating nationwide.
Most curling clubs offer “Learn to Curl” sessions that provide equipment, basic instruction, and a chance to try the sport in a supportive environment. These typically cost between $25-50 for a 2-3 hour introduction – a small investment to determine if you’ve found your new favorite pastime.
The equipment barrier is also minimal compared to many sports. While dedicated curlers eventually purchase their own shoes and brooms, clubs provide all necessary equipment for beginners. This makes curling one of the more accessible winter sports from a financial perspective.
And remember that social aspect I mentioned? Curling clubs are notorious for their welcoming atmosphere. A survey by the Canadian Curling Association found that 92% of new curlers reported feeling “welcomed and included” from their first experience – a remarkably high percentage for any recreational activity.
Conclusion: Why Not Give It a Shot?
From its physical benefits that rival many traditional workouts to its cognitive advantages and social perks, curling offers a surprisingly comprehensive health package wrapped in an admittedly unusual format.
In a fitness world often dominated by extreme challenges and intimidating routines, curling stands apart as a sport that combines genuine health benefits with accessibility, community, and yes – actual fun.
The next time you find yourself watching those serious-faced sweepers during the Winter Olympics, remember: behind those intense expressions and vigorous broom movements lies a sport that’s building cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance, brain power, and social connections.
So perhaps it’s time to reconsider that “strange ice sport with the brooms.” Your body, mind, and social calendar might thank you. After all, how many other Olympic sports let you yell “HARD! HARDER! HAAAAARDER!” at your teammates while simultaneously improving your cardiovascular health?
Curling: where sweeping ice somehow transforms from household chore to legitimate exercise. The Scots may have been onto something after all.
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