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Snowshoeing - A Great Way to Exercise
By John L Read
If you love snow but hate skiing then why not try snowshoeing, a great
winter sport and one that is growing in popularity? Snowshoeing gets you
away from the crowds and offers you the opportunity of walking through
deep unbroken snow, climbing a snowy peak for unspoilt winter views or
the sheer enjoyment of just playing around in the snow.
From a fitness point of view, you get to burn lots of calories and there
is little or no risk of injury.
Getting Started
To get started, you'll need a pair of snowshoes. Modern snowshoes are
lightweight and it only takes a few minutes to get comfortable with
them. Snowshoes are around 2 feet long with lightweight aluminium oblong
frames. To stop you from sinking into the snow, a high-tech fabric is
stretched across the frames. You can strap the snowshoes on to any
comfortable footwear such as running or walking shoes. Snowshoes cost
between $120 and $300 and come in different sizes and designs which are
suited to different types of snowshoeing such as running on packed snow
to back-country hiking.
If you've never tried snowshoeing before, rent a pair of snowshoes from
a ski shop along with a set of trekking poles, to help you get uphill
and maintain your balance when going downhill. You can then decide
whether you enjoy the sport sufficiently to invest in these essential
items.
In addition to snowshoes and trekking poles, you'll need to wear the
correct clothing. A three-layer system consisting of a lightweight,
breathable base layer that wicks away sweat, a fleece pullover or vest
and a lightweight, waterproof for very cold, snowy days will be perfect.
How To Snowshoe
Snowshoeing is not difficult and doesn't need the technical skills of a
skier. If you can walk you can snowshoe!
However, here a few tips to help you along:
Get started on packed snow. Walking through powdery snow is like walking
through deep, dry sand and can leave you puffing and panting. The deeper
the snow and the steeper the terrain the worse it gets.
Snowshoe in single-file in powdery snow. If you're snowshoeing in a
group, share the load of "breaking trail," i.e. being the first person
to make a trail through fresh snow. Also, take frequent rest breaks to
make the experience more enjoyable.
Drink plenty of water. Snowshoeing is hard work and the air,
particularly at high altitude, can be very dry. Wear a water-bottle
holster or winter sports hydration pack to make it easier to take on
water.
Snowshoe effectively. On hilly terrain, kick the front of your snowshoe
into the snow and stomp down to compact the snow. To make sure you don't
slip, make certain each step is clear and distinct from the previous
step. On downhill stretches, bend you knees slightly and lean back to
keep your weight on your heal cleats.
By starting out with the correct gear and following the simple tips
outlined in this article, you'll soon be enjoying the thrill and
benefits of snowshoeing. So, why not give it a go?
About the Author:
John is passionately interested in encouraging the over
fifties to be healthier, wealthier and happier. Come visit his latest
website over at http://www.diningtablechoice.com/ which helps people
choose the perfect
folding
dining table for their kitchen or dining room.
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