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Snowshoeing
- Snowshoeing is a fun way to stay fit in
winter. Just about everyone can do it; if
you're already involved in an outdoor
walking program, snowshoeing can
be a big boost in adding both variety
and increased cardiovascular benefit
to your program.
Snowshoeing also requires little equipment; in fact, many nature
centers will rent snowshoes for modest fees, so you can try 'em
before you buy 'em.
Snowshoeing can also be learned quickly; if you're out for the first
time, you may only need to hear a brief instruction by a guide or
watch a short instructional video. Once out, it doesn't take long
before you understand how to pick up your feet, use wider strides,
and set your shoe down. Snowshoeing is also extremely adaptable
to many types of terrain. This advantage is especially obvious when
compared with skiing or cross-country skiing, both of which
obviously require special trails and terrain. Not so with
snowshoeing; provided that there is at least about six inches of
snow on the ground, you can walk just about anywhere, regardless
of how choppy, packed, or rugged the snowcover.
Finally, snowshoeing is a major calorie-burner; you can burn in 20-
30 minutes what could easily require 1-1/2 to 2 hours of regular
walking. Add poles to the picture, and now you're burning even
more, while at the same time helping to maintain your balance!
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