Unlike many sports the kids partake in, brute force plays no part in the sport of curling. It requires high level thinking skills, and a great deal of finesse to make the appropriate shot. The slide requires grace and gentleness. And the sweeping requires strength and endurance. It is hard to stay mentally sharp that long as well as physically strong from beginning to end unless you are in good physical condition.
Serious curlers work out year round to stay in shape for the sport.
Long distance biking, swimming, and running are favorite off-season activities to stay tuned for curling. Because of the unique attributes needed to play this game well, curling is often a sport that appeals to different kids than sports like football or boxing. It is definitely more appealing to kids who have good balance, gracefulness and high level thinking skills than most mainstream sports. The uniqueness also is attractive to most kids who do not want to be one of 100 kids in their grade who play soccer, or one of the multitude of kids who play baseball or football. Curling is different, and the very fact that they found it is very cool.