For some people, the first sign of snow means time to bundle up in front of a fire with a hot toddy and a good book. But, if you want to stay fit during the winter, forget about hibernating. Instead, get your skis waxed, grab your goggles and gloves and take to the slopes.
Skiing involves physical, mental, social and emotional aspects of wellness. It combines the great outdoor air with physical activity and some sunshine exposure. All ages and skill levels can benefit from a day out on the snow.
Benefits of skiing:
Increases cardiovascular endurance: As an aerobic endurance activity, skiing can help an individual burn calories and lose weight. For a good cardio workout, beginners can walk up the slope instead of using the tow rope or ski lift.
Strengthens lower body muscles: Because skiing puts you in a constant squat position, it works your inner and outer thighs, hamstrings, quads and glutes.
Improves balance and core strength: Because you are constantly working to stay balanced while skiing, your core is always engaged. Plus, skiing challenges your balance and agility, helping you fend off slips and falls as you age.
Skiing can contribute to a sunnier outlook: Spending the day on a snow-covered hill or mountain, surrounded by natural outdoor beauty, helps you forget about the stresses of daily life. You’ll also benefit from vitamin D exposure, which helps ward off Seasonal Affective Disorder and boosts your mood.
Promotes deep sleep: You will feel exhausted in the best way after a day on the slopes.
Improves flexibility: A flexible body is going to be a huge benefit when skiing. By building flexibility, you can avoid muscle strains and sprains. A thorough, regular stretching routine that focuses on the core muscle groups will strengthen the abdominals, obliques and hips that are used in downhill skiing.
Improves proprioception: Skiing is an activity involving proprioception, which is one’s ability to feel the position of different body parts and the effort that goes into moving them. Skiing involves balance and coordination and slight movements and positions of your body that you must be aware of. The more you ski, the more you strengthen your ability to be aware of the movement of your body parts. Proprioception weakens with age, so the more you are involved in proprioceptive activities, the less it will diminish.