Winter is the perfect time to engage in some heart-healthy exercise and the time to take action is now, there is no need to hibernate this season. Winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and skating offer beautiful scenery, are a fun way to get outdoors and come with some amazing health benefits!
Great Cardiovascular Workout: There is no better way to get your heart rate up and a great cardiovascular workout than skiing and snowboarding. For beginners, learning the principles of winter sports can be a great workout and for more advanced the steeper the slope, the more challenging it is as your body is working harder to keep balanced. So when in doubt go for those black diamonds to increase that cardio and get your heart racing (just kidding…or not!).
Strengthens Core & Lower Body Muscles: Skiing and boarding heavily target the lower body as you’re naturally in a squat position and rely on quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. Your feet and ankles are working and remain engaged to help steer your board and maintain balance. Keeping the body upright on skis requires balancing skills and focus; by having to stay balanced this forces the core muscles to engage and improve overall strength.
Improves Flexibility: Your flexibility is constantly improving when skiing and snowboarding as the body is constantly moving and changing direction frequently. Just like any sport, remember that it’s important to develop a stretching routine both prior to your day on the slopes and after to reduce your chance of injury. If you need any assistance come and see our Practicing Kinesiologists or join our MoveWell Community for great stretch and mobility exercises.
Improves Mood: Getting outside and exercising during the winter months has been proven to increase the production of endorphins, which can create feelings of relief and overall happiness. You can also greatly benefit from a dose of vitamin-D when in the mountains and above the clouds. And who’s to argue that a little apres after a day of winter sports doesn’t boost your mood a little too!
If you’re debating whether to get up during the week or weekend, just do it! There’s plenty of winter sports to enjoy and this is the perfect time to enjoy it and take it all in.
