Sick of the same cardiovascular workout? Now that winters getting closer try hitting the slopes. Never tried it before? Just take a quick lesson; it’s not as hard as it looks. My parents are die hard skiers who started me and my sister on the slopes at age 2. Skiing helps develop core strength, coordination, and balance. Skiing is a great source of cardio that can be compared to swimming or running. This is because it pushes people to exert a lot of physical effort and use a lot of oxygen to keep moving. It tones your entire body while strengthening your heart muscle and improving the delivery of oxygen to your muscles. Skiing can also improve your circulatory system which increases alertness. This will make it easier for you to respond to anything or perform normal duties with minimal effort. For older people, like my dad, staying in shape from skiing delays signs of aging. I know that my dad will be skiing until he can’t walk anymore, and that will help his metabolism stay somewhat high, it’ll help his muscular mass, and help with flexibility. Skiing helps your blood stay flowing and tissues functioning properly which will decrease your chances for different heart diseases.
Aside from keeping you physically healthy I feel that it helps mentally also. It can boost self esteem and confidence and decrease depression. Being up on the mountains skiing down fresh powder is a great feeling. You get a chance to be out on your own and clear your mind. It is also something to do rather than being snowed in your house all winter.
I hope this article gives you something to do in the winter rather than the same everyday workout. I would suggest my two favorite mountains, Killington or Mt. Snow. If you do decide to try it out always remember to get trained first, dress properly including protection, and to stretch first!
I 100% agree that skiing helps with cardiovascular fitness as well as keeping you mentally healthy. My father started my brother and me with skiing lessons when I was about 7 or 8 years old and I skied for about 5 years and then picked up snowboarding for another 6 years. I remember always getting to the bottom of the slopes and being winded from all the work you had to do to get to the bottom and the chairlift back up was the breather that you got before the fun started again. As for helping with mental health, I remember taking a trip to Killington with a couple friends and the view that you get of everything while you are on the mountain can not be described. You literally feel like you have reached a place of zen. And it does something to you that you just can seem to describe and make you feel really good afterwards.
ReplyDeleteGreat topic Erin makes me want to bust out the dusty snowboard and go back to the mountain again!
Thank you! I have tried snowboarding a couple times. I think this winter I am going to try and get more into it. Maybe santa will bring me a board if I like it enough!
ReplyDeleteiam a vivid snowboarder and i can also ski. i am a big fan of both as a cardio exercise. although i only rent for now due to a lck of time i do plan on owning my own set o skis and my own board. this was a good post because i feel that people see winter as the worst season to try and keep up on working out and finding activities to stay fit.
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