It’s Snow Fun: Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding are thrilling activities and great workouts. Both sports are excellent cardiovascular exercises that strengthen the heart. Because they are also weight-bearing exercises, they strengthen your bones as they tone your muscles. Cardiovascular or aerobic exercises also work to reduce your risk for chronic diseases, and lower blood pressure. They also help you maintain a healthy body weight.

MedCenterHealth.org/HealthLibrary It’s Snow Fun: Skiing and Snowboarding

Through regular aerobic exercise like skiing and snowboarding, you lower your risk of developing conditions like diabetes and heart disease, having a stroke, and perhaps even getting cancer. It’s important to prepare your body for the challenges of these demanding winter sports with some pre-skiing and pre-snowboarding exercises. These exercises will strengthen you and get you fit enough to handle the slopes. You also need the proper equipment and lessons to teach you needed skills.

MedCenterHealth.org/HealthLibrary It’s Snow Fun: Skiing and Snowboarding

If you have any chronic medical illnesses, are a smoker, or have not exercised in a while or at all, talk to your healthcare provider before skiing or snowboarding. Get ready Start by training your body for these sports a few months before your first lesson. Consider working out with a personal trainer. You and your trainer can develop a fitness plan and exercises best suited to help you get into shape before skiing or snowboarding.

MedCenterHealth.org/HealthLibrary It’s Snow Fun: Skiing and Snowboarding

Next, sign up for private or group lessons from a qualified skiing or snowboarding instructor. You’ll learn skills and safety guidelines like how to protect yourself and even how to fall to keep from getting hurt. Ski and snowboard tips Once you’re fit and know the basics, and even after you’re an expert, you still need to take certain precautions to stay safe on your skis or snowboard. Follow these guidelines to get the most out of your winter workout and have more fun on the slopes: • Use the right equipment • Pay attention

MedCenterHealth.org/HealthLibrary It’s Snow Fun: Skiing and Snowboarding

• Pace yourself • Stay hydrated • Know the proper procedures Skiing and snowboarding are exercises that make winter truly fun. Just remember that both are serious sports that need preparation, safety measures, and skills. So as soon as the air turns crisp, make sure to start working on winter fitness and you’ll be prepared when the first snowflakes fall.

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