Winter is the perfect time to engage in some heart-healthy exercise and shed some of those unwanted post-holiday pounds. The time to take action is now, no need to hibernate this season! Grab the family and visit the local Pennsylvania slopes for a heart-pounding workout in the great outdoors that not only offers beautiful scenery and fun, but some serious health benefits, too.
1. BURNS CALORIES
Skiing and snowboarding are great cardiovascular exercises that can help families burn some serious calories and lose weight. The ultimate number burned per hour is based on weight and proficiency, but according to Harvard Medical School, someone who is 185 pounds burns 252 calories in 30 minutes of downhill skiing. Beginners can get an extra calorie burn by walking up the slope rather than using the ski lift. And, for the advanced skiers, the steeper the slope, the more calories burned because the body has to work harder to keep balanced. Believe it or not the cold weather also contributes to added calorie burn, since the body is forced to work harder to maintain its own body temperature.
2. STRENGTHENS LOWER BODY MUSCLES
Take the gym workout to the slopes this winter. Skiing and snowboarding heavily targets the lower body muscles. Skiing naturally keeps the body in the squat position, which strengthens the quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. Snowboarding also works some muscles that may not be used as often including those in the ankles and feet, which are engaged to help steer the board and maintain balance.
3. IMPROVES FLEXIBILITY
The very art of balancing and engaging the core and key muscle groups during skiing and snowboarding makes the body more flexible. It also helps to reduce muscle strains and sprains. Snowboarding especially improves flexibility tremendously as it requires the body to change directions frequently and swiftly. Just like any sport, it is recommended that families develop a stretching routine both prior to their day on the slopes and after to reduce the chance of injury.
4. ENGAGES CORE MUSCLES
Keeping the body upright on skis or a snowboard requires some serious balancing skills and focus. It is not easy to stay steady on a slippery slope, while weaving down the trail. By having to constantly stay balanced, it forces the core muscles to work hard at engaging, which improves muscle tone in the abdomen and overall core strength.
5. BOOSTS MOOD
Getting outdoors and exercising promotes increased production of endorphins, which creates feelings of relief and happiness. Families can also benefit from the added boost of vitamin D exposure from the sun, which is especially important in the winter when the hours of sunlight are fewer.
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