1. A High Calorie Burning Workout
The American Hiking Society reports that snowshoeing burns more calories than running or cross country skiing. This winter sport uses major muscle groups at high intensities, which allows you to improve or maintain your cardiovascular fitness and burn loads of calories. Snowshoeing obviously involves snow, and you use greater amounts of energy moving against the fluffy stuff. The weight of the snowshoes adds extra resistance. All this combines to make snowshoeing a great way to burn 45 percent more calories than you would if you ran or walked at the same speed.
2. An Ideal Winter Sport for Everyone
Basically, if you can walk, you can snowshoe. It's a safe, low-impact exercise that combines strength training and muscle endurance. Anyone can snowshoe, regardless of expertise, age or fitness level. Unlike some other exercises, there is a limited to no learning curve for this activity.
3. You Can Run on Snowshoes Too
Most people walk when they go snowshoeing, but you can try running for a more challenging workout. To increase speed, you'll need to use your upper body to drive your lower body. When snowshoeing, you naturally need to lift your knees higher so that the long snowshoe clears the surface of the snow. This move involves hip flexion work. Also, when you pump those arms high, your hip flexion will become higher and faster. The added benefit to all that vigorous arm pumping is that you're toning those shoulders, back muscles, forearms and biceps.
4. Conscious Breathing is Crucial
Snowshoeing can be an intense sport that works your cardiorespiratory and musculature systems hard. So it's very important to make sure all those tissues are getting the proper amount of oxygen to function at your personal peak performance. Make sure you take deep cleansing breaths where you inhale deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Be conscious of your breathing. Avoid mouth-only breathing because it shocks your tissues with cold air that can dilate them so they don't get the oxygen they need.
5. Buy Snowshoes That Properly Fit
Not every snowshoe is good for every terrain. Make sure you know what type of environment you'll be hiking in. Know if you will be on gently rolling hills or rugged mountains and if the snow is packed or powder. These factors will help you determine the general category of snowshoe you should get. The shoeshoes come in 3 categories: Racing, Back Country and Fitness. Snowshoes are designed to carry a certain weight including a backpack, if you have one. Take these guidelines into consideration when looking for a pair. If possible, buy your snowshoes from a place that has staff who actually snowshoe a lot. You want someone who knows what they're talking about from personal experience.
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