I’m proud to say that I went snowshoeing for the first time ever this past weekend. It was such a great experience to be out in the open, take in all of the snowy scenery and fresh air – plus, burn calories! Two hours of snowshoeing alone burns 1026 calories. I could certainly feel the burn in the legs (a good burn!). Here are some tips for newbies like myself:
Buy or rent the most suitable snowshoes – I rented mine from R.E.I. and there are so many other rentals. Also, look into a used sporting good stores if you are looking for a good deal. Depending on snow conditions, it’s usually best to go with the smallest snowshoes to support your weight.
Use Poles – when I rented, I was given the option to use poles or not. I decided to go with the poles and am glad I did. They not only help with balance, they make crossing slopes easy. Plus, I actually felt like a got an arm workout in as well.
Warm Up – Snowshoes require you to take longer strides than usual, especially when going uphill. That’s why it’s important stretch your hamstrings and hips before making your trek to help your flexibility.
Breaking Trail in Fresh Snow – Take turns with your group on who gets to break the snow. This takes extra energy, so it’s always good to share the workload. Plus, hello burning those calories!
Snow H2O – Sure it’s cold and not a hot summer day, but when being active you need water. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle along and suck that water down.
Pack Away – Make sure to bring a backpack complete with essentials (water bottle, healthy snacks, a dry shirt, etc.)
Urban Girl Fitness Quote of the Day:
“Even in winter an isolated patch of snow has a special quality.” ~Andy Goldsworthy
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Photo Credit: ME!
