I usually post my articles on Wednesday of each week but I missed this past Wednesday. I decided to take the day off and spend it skiing and posting an article completely slipped my mind. I felt a little bad about missing my posting but now this is an opportunity to write a little bit about the benefits of skiing and how to be prepared when you hit the slopes.
Some don’t understand why skiers would spend the money on gear, tickets, and transportation to spend 6 – 7 hours pushing your physical limits in (sometimes) freezing temperatures. Sure there are fitness benefits but there is more to it. Here are a few to include the fitness benefits:
- Fitness Benefits – Skiing is a weight-bearing exercise which strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis. Skiing successfully requires balance, coordination, agility, and spatial awareness. It also provides some cardiovascular fitness. A person weighing 160 pounds burns 365 calories an hour downhill skiing.
- Motivation to Stay in Shape – Skiing itself has health benefits but it also can motivate you to stay in shape. When ski season is approaching, I spend more time focused on my balance and leg strength so I can enjoy the experience and prevent injuries. Because skiing is so physically taxing there may be a desire to train harder for ski season but low-impact aerobic training is the way to go. Try shorter, less intense runs, elliptical workouts and yoga or Pilates.
- Overcoming the Winter Blues – Seasonal Affective Disorder is depression caused by the longer hours of darkness and cold temperatures. To combat these winter blues, skiing provides some sunshine, physical activity and social interaction.
- Social Benefits – Skiing is one of those physical activities that almost anyone can do despite age, size, and fitness level. It’s also an activity that the entire family can enjoy. Skiing always offers the opportunities to meet new people on the lift, on the slopes, or in the lodge.
If you are now motivated to hit the slopes, here are a few tips for getting started:
- Prepare yourself physically by jogging, using the elliptical trainer or doing some leg strength training exercises. This will help you avoid muscle strain and injury.
- Don’t overdo it. Most injuries happen at the end of the day when people are fatigued and going for that last run of the day. Listen to your body and when you are tired it’s ok to call it a day.
- Drink enough fluids even though it’s cold and you don’t feel thirsty. You can become easily dehydrated in the cold dry weather in no time. The same goes for fuel. Eat enough food to keep you energized throughout the day even if you are not hungry.
- Wear appropriate gear for comfort, warmth and protection. Helmets and sunscreen area must.
- If you are a first time skier, spend the money and take a lesson. It’s better to learn to ski the right way than through trial and error.
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