Posted on Oct 09, 2021

The History & Health Benefits of Curling

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The History & Health Benefits of Curling

At The Floodgate we are lucky to have space for 6 Curling lanes, 3 Indoors & 3 Outdoors. These have been specially constructed from a special plastic which allows our bespoke curling stones to slide on the surface with adapted ball bearings. This means you get all the fun without being ice cold or having to do any sweeping, it really is a win-win. Now for a little bit about Curling;

During the Winter Olympics, one of the most-watched sports during the 16-day event is Curling.

Curling was invented in Scotland more than 500 years ago. It involves two teams of four players who take turns sliding heavy, polished granite stones/rocks (or ball bearing based alternatives at The Floodgate) across a sheet of ice (or plastic in CurlClub) toward a circular target called the house. Two of the team members help direct the rock's trajectory toward the house by vigorously sweeping the ice in front of it (however this is not necessary at The Floodgate). The goal is to score more points than the other team by placing your team's rocks in the house closest to the center.

The first winter Olympics in 1924 included curling, but the sport disappeared and reappeared a few times as a demonstration sport until 1998, when it returned as a medal sport. Since its reintroduction, participation rates in curling have skyrocketed. The number of countries represented in the World Curling Federation has increased from 28 in 1998 to 60 in 2017, and more than 2 million players now curl worldwide.

Part of the attraction of curling is that it looks easy and less taxing compared to downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and other winter sports. But the truth is you can get a good workout while curling.

  • Curling requires balance—if you've ever walked on ice, you understand that balance is a necessary skill. By maintaining your balance, you increase your core strength, flexibility, and coordination.
  • Curling is aerobic—first, you are working out in the cold, which means you burn more calories. Second, you can put on about 2 miles walking up and down the ice during the game. Plus the sweeping motion involved in directing the rock increases heart rate and improves your cardiovascular system. Research has shown that curling can reduce blood pressure.
  • Curling strengthens your legs—as you maintain your balance on the slippery curling sheet, you tone your calves, thighs, and buttocks. Plus the player who throws the rock does so from an elongated lunge, which requires strong leg and glute muscles.
  • Curling strengthens your upper body—sliding a 40-lb. rock and vigorous sweeping can help tone your arms and shoulders.

Curling also provides mental stimulation. It is a highly strategic sport, often compared to chess, and requires planning, strategizing, and teamwork. In addition, curling is a very social sport. Teams must work together and communicate well. It is also inclusive; men and women and children of all ages and all abilities can participate. As the lanes are raised in CurlClub this allows disabled players to play.

So what are you waiting for? if you want a nice day out, with friends for a little social competition Curlclub is perfect. So whether you are based in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Dudley, West Midlands, or even the whole of the UK, get yourselves down to The Floodgate.

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FOOD/DRINK TABLES

We have a large number of indoor/outdoor seating & tables throughout the venue. These seats can be used for gamers, spectators, drinkers, diners, and everything in between. They are on a first come first serve basis. Please contact us if you require a table booking (large groups only).

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