P.E. lessons, where you were forced to put on creepy black boots with square toes, stand on worn wooden skis and run for miles for a grade, are not likely to be remembered pleasantly. Put those terrible things out of your mind. In skiing, everything is different for a long time and categorically not like that
Modern skis are fast and light, poles are almost weightless, boots are as comfortable and stylish as trainers, and can be as warm as felt boots. The bindings are designed so you can put on and take off your skis in a single click, without even having to bend over.
So now skiing doesn’t have to mean suffering for the health benefits it promises. After all, skiing is all about speed, about being aware of your agility and strength, about winter forest landscapes, and, finally, it is the best winter fitness – affordable, safe, and effective.
For those in doubt, here are 7 good reasons to pack up and hit the slopes this weekend:
Reason #1. Good for your heart
Like any cyclical exercise, cross-country skiing strengthens the cardiovascular system. Repetition of the same movements, especially outdoors rather than in an air-conditioned gym, makes your heart beat faster and stronger, thereby training it to pump more blood and deliver more oxygen to your muscles. And the stronger your heart, the longer your life.
Reason #2. Trains all muscles groups
Cross-country skiing works all the major muscle groups harmoniously. Very comfortable: a whole gym in a single workout. It activates legs from the foot and ankle to the front and back of the thigh, sticks are involved in the shoulder girdle and hand-leg coordination is ensured by back and abs.
Reason #3. Develops coordination
Ski training, especially in skate, improves coordination and balance by strengthening your stabilizer muscles. In daily life, it will add agility and flexibility.
Reason #4. Helps you lose weight
Skiing is one of the most energy-consuming workouts. In terms of calorie expenditure, it is in the same class as rowing, running, and cycling. The explanation is simple. Firstly, when you’re skiing, both your legs, arms, and torso are involved. The faster you move, the higher the intensity. Secondly, cold weather forces your body to expend more calories to heat your body.
Of course, just skiing, even the most energetic workout, will not solve the problem of excess weight, but regular walks on skis (not on foot, but at a reasonable pace), combined with a proper diet will help quickly reach the desired numbers on the scales.
Reason #5. No contraindications
Fresh, wet, soft, hard, loose, in short, any snow and skis are great for cushioning during the movement, reducing the shock load on the spine and joints. This is why ski training is recommended even for those who are medically opposed to running.
There are exceptions to every rule and if you have a serious health problem, consult your doctor and exercise carefully on the ski slopes.
Reason #6. Affordable and accessible
A decent set of adult equipment – skis, poles, boots, and bindings – is inexpensive. You can go for more expensive options, but skiing will still be one of the most inexpensive winter activities. Only sleds and skates are cheaper.
Moreover, places for skiing – specially prepared tracks for skate style or tracks trampled by enthusiasts appear in every forest and park with the first persistent snow. And unlike ski slopes, ice rinks, and curling fields – there is no charge for them. So you have a great opportunity to save money and buy persuasive essay, for example.
Reason #7. Amateur competitions
The keen sports enthusiast needs to compete not only with his or her results but also with real people. In ski racing, even for beginners (of all ages and genders), there are many options to test themselves.
Besides, there are places for skiing, specially prepared skate tracks and tracks, beaten by enthusiasts, in every forest or park, when the first persistent snow appears. And unlike ski slopes, ice rinks, and curling fields, you don’t have to pay for them.