Yes—curling is absolutely a fitness workout, even if it doesn’t look like one at first glance. The sport combines lower-body strength from the delivery, core stability for balance on the ice, upper-body effort during sweeping, and steady movement throughout a game that keeps you on your feet and active for hours. Add in bursts of elevated heart rate while sweeping and the mental focus required to plan and execute shots, and curling delivers a well-rounded, low-impact workout that builds strength, endurance, balance, and mobility—all while being fun and social enough that you barely notice you’re exercising.

Full-Body Engagement (Yes, Really)

Curling isn’t just one motion repeated over and over—it’s a combination of strength, balance, coordination, and endurance.

• Legs & Glutes: The delivery position is essentially a controlled single-leg squat and lunge. You’re building strength every time you push out and hold that low slide.
• Core: Staying stable on slippery ice requires constant core engagement—especially during delivery and sweeping.
• Upper Body: Sweeping works your shoulders, arms, chest, and back, particularly during intense ends when the brush speed ramps up.

It’s low-impact, but don’t confuse that with low-effort.

Sweeping = Cardio in Disguise

That frantic sweeping you see on TV? It’s not for show, it helps the team get the rock to the intended spot.

Sweeping can elevate your heart rate quickly, burning calories in short, intense bursts. Sweeping can improve muscular endurance in your upper body and core.  Many curlers compare sweeping intervals to HIIT-style cardio, especially during competitive games. You’ll feel it in your shoulders, arms and your lungs.

You’ll Get Your Steps In (Without Noticing)

Curling may happen on a sheet of ice, but don’t be fooled—you’re on your feet and moving almost constantly.  Over the course of a game, curlers walk up and down the sheet dozens of times.  By the end of a typical game, many curlers rack up thousands of steps without ever feeling like they’re “doing cardio.” It’s steady, low-impact movement that keeps your body active the entire time—perfect for building daily activity without pounding your joints.

It’s one of those rare sports where you finish, check your step count, and think: Wait… how did that happen?

Balance, Mobility, and Stability Gains

One of curling’s most underrated benefits is how much it improves balance, hip and ankle mobility, and joint stability.  Holding the delivery position forces your body to stabilize under control—great for injury prevention and functional fitness, especially as we age.

And because curling is low-impact, it’s gentler on joints than running or high-impact sports, making it accessible for a wide range of fitness levels.

Mental Fitness Counts Too

Curling is often called “chess on ice” for a reason.  Between shot planning, strategy, communication, and focus, your brain is constantly engaged. That mental workload paired with physical movement creates a workout that’s challenging, engaging and never boring

You’re exercising your body and your decision-making skills at the same time.

So… Is Curling a Good Workout?

Short answer? Absolutely.
Long answer? Curling delivers:

• Strength training
• Cardio bursts
• Lots of steps
• Balance and mobility work
• Mental engagement

 —all wrapped up in a social, fun, and surprisingly intense sport.

You might not leave dripping in sweat every time, but after a full game, most first-timers are shocked at how sore (and hooked) they feel.

If you’re looking for a workout that doesn’t feel like a workout—curling might be your new favorite way to get moving. 

Curious to try it yourself? Visit our Try Curling page for more information. Trust us: the ice tells the truth.