The conditions outside and the Winter Games on the television have us itching to get a cold-weather workout in. Certain sports are just better with a chill in the air and snow on the ground. Candice Dunkin, MS, LAT, ATC, manager athletic training, Parkview Sports Medicine, shares some of the benefits of one of winter's gold medal ways to get moving: cross-country skiing.
Once thought of simply as an effective mode of transportation during periods of snowfall, cross-country skiing has gained clout as a fun, beneficial way to stay active during the colder months while enjoying parts of the majestic landscape you might not be able to get to see otherwise. Cross-country skiing is fairly easy to learn, which makes it a wonderful activity to share with family and friends of all ages.
Spending any amount of time out on your skis lends a low-impact yet intense total body workout that will engage every major muscle group. Cross-country skiing can burn, potentially, more than double the calories per hour that downhill skiing does, making it an effective weapon for winter weight loss. This pastime is also an efficient cardiovascular workout. Your heart and lungs will thank you for the outdoor exposure with more energy and increased stamina.
So why not pick up some poles, make a trip outside and get those endorphins flowing with some cross-country skiing? An escape from the daily grind and the quiet of nature might be just what you need to get through the long winter months.
You can find information on cross country skiing in Allen County, including conditions and equipment rental, here.