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While enjoying the crisp mountain air and those fresh powder turns, you may not even realize how amazing skiing is for your entire body. We may be biased because we live for the slopes, but it’s safe to say that skiing is one of the healthiest activities out there. Skiing is a full-body workout and sharpens the senses while enhancing balance, flexibility, and coordination. Whether you want to try skiing for the first time or you’re searching for a hobby to stay in shape this winter, read on and discover the many reasons why skiing belongs in your wellness routine!
Skiing Supports Healthy Weight Loss
When looking for a great sport to shed a few extra pounds, skiing is a natural fit. While the amount of calories you burn depends on the intensity and duration, you can expect to burn ~500 calories per hour while skiing. In addition to burning a ton of calories with the sustained, whole-body effort, any sporting activity performed in a colder environment will burn even more calories since your body needs additional calories to stay warm.
Skiing is Great for Endurance Training
If you love to run, swim, or cycle, skiing belongs in your new and improved endurance training routine. Skiing at high altitudes develops stronger lung capacity, while simultaneously improving blood and nutrient supply to the slow-twitch muscle fibers involved with endurance activity. After skiing at high altitudes for prolonged periods, you may even notice a boost in your stamina once you return to lower altitude. There’s a good reason that professional and Olympic athletes choose to train in mountainous regions across the globe!
Skiing Promotes Enhanced Flexibility
To ski well, your body has to move in ways that you don’t normally move. Even if you forgot to stretch before heading over to the lift line, you can expect the frequent twisting, reaching, and back bending involved in skiing to gradually improve your range of motion. From opening up your hips to liberating shoulder tightness through active motion, skiing uses and benefits all of your joints.
Skiing Builds Lean & Powerful Muscle
Throw a protein shake into your snowboard gear bag and get ready to become stronger after every skiing session. While you may think that skiing only targets your lower-body muscle groups, it also strengthens your core, shoulders, neck, back, and arms. Even with a pair of lightweight skis or boots, you can expect to feel the burn and notice newfound muscle definition after a few days on the slopes!
Skiing Trains Balance & Body Awareness
Developing healthier equilibrium and coordination comes naturally as your ski skills progress. Stop by our Cherry Hill ski shop before the big ski trip, and we’ll gladly teach you a few tips to help you keep your balance and cruise safely with the right gear for every skill level!
