Since we are nearing the end of January and this time of year can lead to an increase in love handles and tummy rolls, we’re going to go over some ski and snowboard health and fitness tips. When the weather outside is frightful, it’s much easier to stay within the comforts of your warm home than venturing outside. Not only do we tend to be less active in these circumstances, but we also end up snacking out of boredom.  Lastly, the types of food we crave most in below-freezing temperatures are usually calorie-laden comfort foods.

So what is a preventive solution to gaining those winter pounds? Getting out to a ski resort and enjoying some winter sports! If you don’t already know how to ski or snowboard, it’s never too late to learn. This is  especially good for someone who cannot stand going to a gym and running on a treadmill. There’s nothing quite like spending the weekend ‘tearing up the powder’ with some friends and family. In my opinion, it’s one of the only ways to actually enjoy the winter months.

There are lots of winter sport options, including cross-country skiing, down-hill skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, etc. Let’s stick to skiing and boarding for the purpose of this article. If you’re a beginner who hasn’t spent any time on the slopes before, you have to think over your options? Let’s go over some particulars for each activity.

Cross-country skiing is great for building endurance and burning lots of calories quickly. An average person burns over 500 calories n hour while cross-country skiing , making it one of the highest calorie-burning activities.

Muscles worked while cross-country skiing include: thighs, your buttom, calves, and front and back upper arms.

Downhill skiing is best for improving balance, agility, and leg and stomach strength. An average person skiing downhill burns over 300 calories an hour.

Muscles worked most while skiing are the hamstrings, calves, quadriceps, and hip and feet muscles.

Snowboarding is perfect if you’re looking for a serious thrill. An average person burns over 400 calories per hour while snowboarding.

Muscles worked most are: calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, abdomen, and ankel and feet muscles.

Now that you have the basics down, stop complaining about the freezing weather and get out to a skiing destination to enjoy it. See you on the slopes!