Want to stay fit… and have loads of fun? Why not head to the slopes this Easter!
The snow is looking pretty good across Europe right now so why not reward yourself with an alpine treat and reap the health benefits to boot. Glorious fresh mountain air, breathtaking scenery and awesome fun with family and friends. Whether you’re stepping out for the first time or if you’ve spent a lifetime slopeside, the benefits of skiing and snowboarding are numerous. Here are just a few to whet the appetite…
MIGHTY MUSCLES
Skiing and snowboarding work a lot of muscles and are great core workouts. Your thighs do lots of work, but the isometric posture means your quads are consistently engaged and we all know the long-term benefits of a strong core. You’ll also be strengthening your calves, hamstrings and glutes too. Nice!
STRONG BONES
Your knees and legs have to endure the weight and tension from your whole body, and this makes them stronger. Apart from strengthening the knees and legs, your bones will get stronger too, helping prevent osteoporosis.
FEEL THE BURN
Burning calories has never been such fun! Experts suggest you can expect to use between 300 and 500 calories per hour, depending on your activity level. Given how the hours can fly by, this is proper exciting stuff as you could be looking at 3,000 calories per day.
HELLO HEART
Skiing and snowboarding are both forms of cardio, which means they improve your cardiovascular health, helping reduce the risk of heart cardiovascular disease, diabetes and high blood pressure
IMPROVED CIRCULATION
Riding downhill is a great aerobic workout, even more so because it’s done outside, improving the efficiency of your cardiovascular system making your body more efficient at absorbing oxygen and nutrients.
FUN HIIT
Skiing’s a form of interval training which makes it a great HIIT workout, almost without knowing it. A gentle chairlift ride followed by an intense downhill session is one perfectly designed interval training programme that’s also enjoyable.
IN THE BALANCE
To stay safe as you cruise down the mountain, it’s vital to concentrate on the dynamic motion of your body, improving balance, stability and also flexibility – all great for keeping you safe during everyday life.
MENTAL BOOST
Don’t underestimate the amazing positive mental hit you get from spending time outside in the fresh air, surrounded by stunning nature. Releasing those endorphins helps relieve stress and anxiety as well as improve sleep quality.
LOVE YOU LONG TIME
There is good evidence that skiing, especially when performed on a regular basis, can contribute to a longer life. And unlike some activities, it’s also a sport you can continue to enjoy well into old age.
HEALTHY HABITS
Skiing promotes healthy eating habits. Before you start, you have to energize your body with a cracking healthy breakfast like porridge, nuts, raisins and bananas. Afterwards, you need to refuel efficiently to help your muscles recover. You’ll never eat so well.
SOCIAL, SOCIAL, SOCIAL
Skiing is a social sport, both during and after the slopeside activity, and perfect to enjoy with family and friends. It doesn’t matter what level you ski at, the benefits of the top communal spirit generated from a delightful al fresco lunch on the slopes or lively aprés ski in the bars and restaurants, is hard to quantify.
FUN FOR ALL
Best of all, it’s fun for people of all ages, with toddles, teenagers, mums, dads and grandparents all enjoying each other’s company while keeping super-healthy.