In the past few years, outdoor activities grew in popularity. None more so than the king of winter sports, skiing.
From 2020-2021, almost 60 million people visited a ski resort in the U.S.
There are plenty of reasons to participate in the activity. Therefore, it’s no surprise experts believe that number will continue to grow.
Of course, the main reason people ski annually is for the thrill-seeking experience. However, along with fun and excitement, there are also many health benefits.
What are the health benefits of skiing?
Keep reading to find out!
You Burn Unwanted Calories
An average person can burn up to 500 calories from active skiing or snowboarding for an hour. Physical activity and cold temperatures both play a part in burning unwanted calories.
Since you have time to recover after each run, it is a style of interval training. That is mainly during your time on the chairlift.
Strengthens Your Bones and Joints
No matter your age, strengthening your bones and joints is vital. And exercise is the key to doing so.
Any exercise will improve your bones and joints. However, skiing is one of the best activities to help achieve this goal.
Many joints in your body will receive a boost from skiing. Yet, your knees will receive a significant amount. The weight from your body and the fast change of direction helps build strength over time.
Improves Your Core Strength
Working on your balance is the key to improving your core strength when skiing. Your abdominal muscles are in your core. They are constantly at work when you’re trying to stay on your feet while gliding around 20 mph.
The squatting motion also helps with your abdominal muscles. Not only does this work your core, but it improves your posture, which prevents back pain.
Enhances Your Flexibility
With continuous movements throughout skiing, it’s no wonder it enhances your flexibility. It improves your skiing skills and helps during your day-to-day life.
By improving your flexibility, you also strengthen your muscle. That will prevent injuries in the future.
You Work Out Your Lower Body Muscles
Skiing involves constant squatting and movement from left to right. And your entire body gets some exercise. However, your hip muscles, hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, and glutes receive an effective workout.
If you’re learning to ski, you will feel the workout pain in your legs the following morning. You can also pick up some quality ski rentals to kickstart your training.
Boosts Your Mental Heath
Along with physical benefits, you also receive mental help from the activity.
The first way it boosts your mental health is through the joy of the experience. Happiness and positive thoughts release chemicals from your brain that help lower stress and anxiety.
Another way it benefits your mental health is through cardiovascular exercise. Neurogenesis is a process that creates more brain cells from activity. It improves your mood, concentration, and overall brain performance.
Experience the Benefits of Skiing
After reading this article, you now know the top benefits of skiing. There are many, from mental to physical, and plenty of fun, laughter, and excitement.
Now you know why you must experience the most popular winter activity. So, it’s time to pack your skiing equipment and plan a thrilling trip to the mountains!
If you want to discover more ways to improve your lifestyle, continue reading our blog for free!