I recently went to the Red River Mutual Trail at the Forks to go skating.  This was my first time skating in many years and the experience was fun!   I do not have skates and went to Iceland Skate Rentals, located in The Forks Market, and rented skates for $5.00 ($3.00 for kids).  They also offer skate sharpening.  Conveniently, there is a designated area with mats to change your skates in the atrium of The Forks Market.

There are a few different options at The Forks for skating.  There is the Rink under the Canopy, the hockey rink near Scotia Bank stage, the skating trails on land, and the Red River Mutual Trail.  When you are ready to head out, there are mats all the way to the river. 

The skating area is lined with trees, and separates an area where you can play hockey.  I slowly skated my way down the river from the Forks to Osborne and back.  The warming huts were not on the River the day I went, but there are a few huts on the river now. 

According to www.besthealthmag.ca ice-skating is a great way to embrace winter and get some exercise.  They say it is easy on the joints because it’s low impact, and it improves your balance and coordination.  They also say that a 155-lb woman skating slowly (less than 14 kilometres per hour) burns about 387 calories per hour.  Fast, full-out skating burns 633 calories per hour. 

They offer a few tips:

• Find skates that fit comfortably.  Skates are usually a size smaller than your normal shoe size.
• Wear thin wool or fitness socks rather than doubling up with two pairs of
  regular socks.
• Lace the skates firmly and stand up. Your heel should be right at the back of the boot, and your toe should not touch the front end. Your heel and ankle should feel snugly gripped, as if you’re wearing running shoes, but not tight or painful.
• Get the store or your local rink to sharpen the skates before you hit the ice. If you’re skating leisurely once a week indoors, sharpening once a winter is fine. Outdoor ice contains grit and mineralized water and is harder on your blades, so sharpen every outing or two.

So, if you’re looking for an activity next weekend, head to the Forks and go skating!