One of the best forms of aerobic exercise is skiing. The swooshing down the slopes, the wind in your face, and balancing over the moguls on a cold wintery day! There are different types of skis available from short to long length which can give the person more or less speed. From green triangles to double black diamonds, the adrenaline rush you get from skiing is unexplainable.
Season passes are offered where the ski lift price is discounted when bought for the entire ski season. Besides the typical downhill skiing, there is also cross country skiing. Very long skis are used with poles and the entire body and muscles, just like in downhill, are being used. With the ability to build coordination and low possibility for injury, cross country builds strength, stamina, and endurance. This sport combines the skills of skiing, hiking, and skating, and though people of any age can learn to do it, it is much easier to
learn if there is a skilled instructor present.
Even though skiing is good exercise in itself, because it is a seasonal activity, preparing the body before the season opens would be a good idea. This can be accomplished by doing exercises that strengthen the upper body such as swimming or rowing. To strengthen the muscles in your legs, participate in biking, walking briskly, or rollerblading.
If you desire to still reap the benefits of skiing during the off-season, you can enlist the use of an indoor cross-country ski machine. The machine you choose should have a base long enough to match your stride with arm and leg resistance adjustable and with smooth action. For a tougher upper body workout, choose a machine that has ropes instead of poles.
Skiing can be both healthy and fun, but you need to make sure to keep your equipment in safe condition to prevent injury. Always have the proper equipment such as skis, poles, boots, gloves, coat, and hat when you are involved in outdoor skiing instead of an indoor machine. Doing an exercise you enjoy is one of the most important aspects of an exercise program. Plus skiing uses so many of your muscles it makes it even easier since you have to do less exercise to accomplish the same end result. Always be sure to consult with your doctor before you participate in any new exercise regimen.
Whether you choose to downhill ski or cross country ski, both activities can be done as a family outing. A little competition between siblings of who can make it down the mountain the fastest never hurt too many people; just watch out for the parts of the mountain with the orange fences!