Live to Ride

Just because the winter months are here and we have lots of snow doesn’t mean your exercise routine has to come to a halt. According to Fit Day, winter sports, especially snowboarding, can have a great impact on your health. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, being on the mountain and outdoors can enhance your mood. Additionally, as the article describes, snowboarding can have multiple positive physical effects.

Aerobic Exercise - Snowboarding has the potential to burn a great deal of calories as well as increase your cardiovascular endurance.

Muscular Fitness - The sport forces individuals to use a large amount of muscles in the body, especially muscles your body does not normally use. This is great for a total body work out, but as a warning to beginners and a reminder to veterans…after the first day of the season you may feel like you worked muscles you didn’t even know you had!

Flexibility and Balance - The coordination of riding helps to improve overall flexibility and balance in the body and the muscles.

Snowboarding is not the only winter sport to offer these physical benefits. Activities such as downhill skiing, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing are all great ways to keep in shape and enjoy the winter months. Although these activities can be at different levels, as with any sport it is important to remember safety. The article offers a few helpful hints for beginner snowboarders about lessons and to always wear a helmet. Remember to dress appropriately for your activity and the weather outside! Keep in mind that some of these sports can take a lot of learning. With safety in mind this winter, don’t let your body fall into hibernation. These winter sports offer unique and total body work outs, so hit the outdoors for some great physical activity!

UNH faculty and staff - are you interested in learning how to cross country ski or snowshoe this winter? To learn more, visit the Healthy UNH Homepage.