The positive effect of winter sports
It is true that the cold and the short days do not invite us to leave the house and although sometimes we find it difficult to find the motivation, we must work on our physical condition without limiting our activity to closed spaces.
Winter sports are a healthy and fun way to stay fit during this season. They improve our physical condition, facilitate concentration and balance, and even increase self-esteem. It is important to move to keep the body active and prevent various diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle. However, we must not forget that most winter sports require significant physical effort and are very intense.
Before getting on the skates or snowboard, it is advisable to do a series of warm-ups and stretches to avoid, among other things, sprains or twists. Only in this way will we maintain our body temperature and reduce the tension generated by low temperatures and mountain air. It is essential to dress well in breathable fabrics that keep the body at a healthy temperature and function equally in any environment. Exercising outdoors at this time of year has benefits that cannot be achieved in any other setting.
Greater caloric expenditure
Snow sports allow us to work our abs and legs in depth and although the amount of calories consumed depends on each person's muscle mass, it is true that our body must make an extra effort to regulate our internal temperature. If an intense aerobic session at the gym is equivalent to 420 calories, practicing cross-country skiing burns 780 calories in the same time.
Snowboarding is a very effective endurance sport for recovering muscle tissue and bone health. Practicing it will also release adrenaline in large doses and make us feel more relaxed and calm.
Better proprioceptive capacity
Proprioception is the sense that informs our body of the position and movement of our muscles and regulates the direction and range of movement. Skiing helps to improve this ability. The slopes force us to pay attention to all the obstacles that can be presented in such a dynamic environment, so it requires full awareness of the body's position to achieve postural stability. The same goes for ice skating or snowboarding, both of which require great coordination and balance.
Cardiovascular endurance
Most winter sports are practiced in areas with higher than normal altitudes where the air is purer. When we practice mountaineering or cross-country skiing, the benefits are quickly noticeable. Our breathing is more efficient, which favors the increase of red blood cells and oxygenation of the body. In addition, with the cold, the heart makes a great effort to distribute blood throughout the body, so we are exercising and strengthening it to cope with the stressful situations of each day. Cross-country skiing, a modality halfway between mountaineering and skiing, is a high-intensity aerobic exercise. A good alternative to strengthen and stylize both arms and legs.
Better absorption of vitamin D
Practicing sports outdoors allows us to benefit from the sun and its nutrients. Vitamin D is essential for increasing the concentration of calcium in our bones and keeping them strong. That is why we must take advantage of the hours of natural light, and although they are limited, we must never forget to moisturize our skin and apply a good sunscreen. On the other hand, exercising during the winter releases endorphins, giving us a feeling of happiness and lightness.
Greater hydration
Staying hydrated is one of the most important factors in minimizing the dangers of winter exercise. Your body sweats, but that sweat evaporates more quickly in a cold, dry environment, so your body appears to lose less water. Proper hydration will help maintain body temperature and performance.
