A number of winter sports are being practiced worldwide especially during the winter season. Among these activities, one of the simplest and is most popular today is snowshoeing. As such, it is also considered among the today’s fastest growing winter sports. With the good pair of snowshoes, one can not only appreciate the beauty of a snow-laden landscape but also reap a number of benefits.
There are a number of reasons why snowshoeing is becoming a widely popular winter sports. Generally, it is because this activity is a fun, inexpensive, and active way to enjoy a snow-enveloped landscape. It is also a great fitness exercise for adults and kids alike. A number of health benefits may also be derived from the practice of said sport. Lastly, it is an entertaining social group activity.
As mentioned, one of the primary reasons for the popularity of snowshoeing is its simplicity. Many enthusiasts say that “if you can walk, you can snowshoe”. That is, anyone can snowshoe regardless of expertise, age, or fitness level. It also requires modest physical effort with no fancy technique or theories to learn. Moreover, it is also inexpensive as it does not require a lot of equipment to be practiced. Rather, a good pair of snowshoes is the only requirement to practice said sport.
Being a form of fitness exercise is the next category among the reasons cited for the popularity of snowshoeing. Dr. Declan Connolly of the University of Vermont’s exercise and physiology department once quoted that “snowshoeing is an effective, low-impact, and safe form of exercise to change body composition”. At moderate speeds, it has been found out that snowshoeing can burn between 400-500 calories per hour. This, according to the American Hiking Society, is more than the amount of calories that may be burned from running or cross country skiing. Muscle strength can also be maintained with the practice of said winter activity by serving as an excellent workout where major muscles are used at high intensities.
A number of other health benefits may also be derived from snowshoeing. Studies show that this winter sport is an excellent way to prevent heart disease by raising the heart rate and providing an aerobic workout. As such, it is approved by the American Heart Association as an aerobic activity. The practice of said sport also improves the core body strength and balance by using all the body muscles, joints, tendons, and sensory nerve terminals to adjust posture and positioning. Also, the physical demands of the use of snowshoes can build up endurance levels and strengthen quadriceps for runners.
With the upcoming winter season, there is no other way to enjoy the snow than snowshoeing. As it does not require one to learn any complicated techniques and theories, everyone-kids and adults, alike-can indeed participate in said activity. Moreover, with the number of other health and fitness benefits that may be derived from the practice of said sport, one can definitely find this activity worth their while. Nonetheless, it is also important to remember to use only the best pair of snowshoes when practicing said winter activity.
Barbie Yan is a Physical Education teacher from a University based in Germany. During winter, Yan, with her snowshoes or “schneeschuhe“, as they call it in German, brings her students in the snowy areas of Germany to appreciate the beauty of the snow-laden landscape.
Related posts:
- Kettlebells For Women Have Become Very Popular In The Fitness Industry Kettlebell workouts will offer you functional strength that nautilus machines...
- Why Fitness Facts Matter To Your Health It seems like health experts are finding more and more...
- Exactly How Much Volleyball Do You Need? If you're thinking of buying volleyballs currently, it is really...
- Popular Weight loss Remedies – The Over the counter Versions If you have previously given weight reduction a try; maybe...
- Health Benefits Of Doing Aerobic Exercises The actual advantages of aerobic exercise are achieved by increasing...
Comments on this entry are closed.