Winter is the perfect time to engage in some heart-healthy exercise. It is school holidays and so the time to take action is now. Different winter exercises and their benefits. Today the exercise I am talking about is skiing or snowboarding.  We are so lucky this winter. The slopes of the Snowy mountains are covered in snow, so grab your family and head for a heart-pounding workout in the great outdoors. It offers not only a beautiful scenery and fun, but some serious health benefits, too. Here they are.

1. BURNS CALORIES

Skiing and snowboarding are great cardiovascular exercises that can help people burn some serious calories and lose weight. The ultimate number burned per hour is based on weight and proficiency, but according to Harvard Medical School, someone who is 83 kg burns 266 calories in 30 minutes of downhill skiing. Beginners can get an extra calorie burn by walking up the slope rather than using the ski lift. And, for the advanced skiers, the steeper the slope, the more calories burned because the body has to work harder to keep balanced. Believe it or not the cold weather also contributes to added calorie burn, since the body is forced to work harder to raise its own body temperature.

2. IT STRENGTHENS LOWER BODY MUSCLES, BUT IS IT A WHOLE BODY ACTIVITY!

Skiing and snowboarding heavily targets the lower body muscles. Skiing naturally keeps the body in the squat position, which strengthens the quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. Snowboarding also works some muscles that may not be used as often like the ankles and feet, which are engaged to help steer. Maintaining balance on the skies or snowboard is the whole body activity, and helps strengthen the shoulders, back, core and legs muscles!

3. IMPROVES FLEXIBILITY

The very art of balancing and engaging the core and key muscle groups during skiing and snowboarding makes the body more flexible. It also helps to reduce muscle strains and sprains. Snowboarding especially improves flexibility as it requires the body to change directions frequently and swiftly. Just like any other sport, it is recommended that people take it slowly at first or even take some lessons to avoid injury.

4. ENGAGES CORE MUSCLES

Keeping the body upright on skis or a snowboard requires some serious balancing skills and focus. It is not easy to stay steady on a slippery slope, while weaving down the trail. By having to constantly stay balanced, it forces the core muscles to work hard, which improves muscle tone and overall core strength.

5. BOOSTS MOOD

Getting outdoors and exercising promotes increased production of endorphins, which creates feelings of relief and happiness. People also benefit from the added boost of vitamin D exposure from the sun, which is especially important in the winter when days are shorter.

So let’s enjoy this wonderful activity this winter and get healthy in mind and body.