Skiing: The Ultimate Winter Workout

Posted December 20, 2007 at 12:00 PM by Denise Musumeci

Section: His Fitness, Cardio Training, Alt. Therapies, His Gear & Apparel, Equipment, His Health, Lifestyle Health

With the winter cold approaching, many exercisers tend to hibernate from the cold and abandon their usual routine. However, experts say that due to higher metabolic demands on the body, it is almost twice as important to maintain a regular exercise routine. Winter dormancy tends to turn athletes into couch potatoes, which inevitably has the effect of widening the waistline. Instead of falling into the habit of relaxing on the couch this winter, the key to staying healthy this winter may be skiing. So instead of putting on your running shoes, try strapping on a pair of skis and enjoying the nice white landscape.

There are many benefits in participating in cross-country skiing. Because skiing requires the use of muscles in the upper and lower body at the same time, it builds strength in the entire body and keeps you in shape. It gives you an aerobic workout that allows you to burn up to 950 kilocalories an hour, compared to about 77 kilocalories an hour with running. Skiing allows you to get all the exercise you need while maintaining blood pressure stability and controlling cholesterol levels. Not only do all the muscles get a workout, it allows you to gain more overall flexibility and strength as a result.

Cross-country skiing is considered a low impact sport, meaning that there is less stress on your joints and knees. This allows you to maintain better balance and avoid injuries. Because skiing is low-impact, it is something you can enjoy more often than running or lifting weights. People of all ages enjoy gliding across the snow as opposed to pounding their feet against the ground.

Never been skiing before? No problem! A professional trainer can help get you started on the correct ski techniques that give you all of the benefits mentioned above. Beginners can start on small hills and work their way up to more challenging slopes. Before you begin skiing though, there are a few things to look out for. First, you want to find a ski resort with a suitable terrain. It does not have to be a fancy resort, as long as it has suitable slopes for first-timers or beginners. You do not have to buy expensive, fancy ski clothes if you are just a beginner. Search your drawers for turtlenecks, fleece sweaters, thermals, and other insulating clothes to wear under your jacket. The most important thing to do is to invest in a ski lesson, even if your friends are experienced and are willing to teach you. An experienced instructor can fill you in on proper techniques and safety issues before you hit the slopes.

One of the best things about skiing is that it is suitable for people of all ages. Frequent skiers sometimes bring their little ones to the slopes on special sleds. Many resorts offer lessons for children as young as 3 to 5 years of age on well-groomed tracks. You’re never too old for skiing either. Many people over the age of 55 go to the slopes every year to enjoy stress-free exercise. Because it is easy on the knees and joints, you will not have to worry about hurting yourself too much.

This winter, don’t stress about miserable weather and get out there and enjoy the snow. Not only does skiing lack stress on the muscles, it can relieve you from the stress of everyday life. The beautiful scenery and fresh air will melt away all the tension—and the pounds—this winter.

Research sources and for more information: [alive.com]; [findarticles.com]; [healthhokaido.com]; [about.com]; [picture]