Are you hesitant to jump on the cross-country ski bandwagon? Maybe you tried it a few times and it was too cold, or too hard? It is an activity that requires a bit of effort but when you learn a few key skills it can be so much fun and so beneficial!
Cross-country skiing offers extensive benefits, I'll just be highlighting a few of them. The next time you are thinking about getting out on the snow, but you aren't sure it will be worth it - just review this list and get our there!
One of the best full-body workouts. Cross-country skiing combines both a lower body and upper body workout, and uses both the “pulling” and “pushing” muscles of each region. Along with working major muscle groups, you are also working muscles you don't even realize that are actively involved to balance and coordinate the entire body.
Improves endurance and overall health. Cross-country skiing is a great aerobic workout. Because no single muscle group is overstressed, the activity can be sustained for hours on end. An elevated heart rate during exercise can allow your heart to pump blood more efficiently and effectively.
Social Engagement. There is so much power in connecting with other people! Cross-country skiing can be picked up relatively quickly and provides a great activity for people to do together. If can be learned as a kid, and is an ideal sport for family and friends to enjoy together.
Stress Relief. Connecting with nature is always therapeutic. The slower pace of cross-country skiing, the peace that comes with snowfall, fresh air and sunshine, all help you leave your stress behind. Any time you exercise, your body releases endorphins that reduce stress, anxiety, depression and pain. Endorphins also help regulate appetite, as well as improve self esteem and immune response! Working out when you are outside gives you mega doses of endorphins, and if you throw some friends in there, you'll benefit from the perfect storm of epic levels of endorphins!
Improved energy levels. Does is seem like people are always drinking energy drinks? Sadly, those can cause unwanted side effects! Good news, endurance sports like cross country skiing help improve your aerobic fitness and increase your overall energy levels, without unwanted side effects!
Excellent cross-training. If you enjoy any other sports during other seasons, cross-country skiing is a great way to prepare for them! Skiing can help you strengthen your muscles and prepare them to manage the lactic acid they will produce during other sports!
Nature Connection. Nature has a perfect order to it. When we are outside, our brains can relax. In life, we often face a lot of chaos. When we are outside, our brains can recover from the chaos and be refueled in unique ways that nothing inside can provide. The sun gives us Vitamin D, the fresh air decreases winter sickness, and the beauty outside offers endless inspiration!
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