How appropriate to post today about enjoying the snow and burning numerous calories. Today it just so happens to be a true winter's day with the white stuff cascading down all around us. So don't just sit behind a window peering out at the lovely white flakes, grab your coat, boots, gloves and hat and get outside and enjoy the wonders of this season.
It is amazing the number of calories you can burn by doing something physical outside on the snow covered ground. First off, you are burning calories just trying to keep warm, homeostasis (our bodies attempt at regulating our temperature in all conditions). The ground is covered and walking thru snow (especially deep snow) can be a challenge, we not only are burning calories and using all the muscles in our legs but working strengthening and stabilizing our core by trying to stay balanced.
Throw on a pair of snow shoes and in an hours walk you can burn up to 550 calories. This is great for cardio and endurance training. Running around, shoveling, sledding, snowball fights, building forts and snow angels all active ways of burning many calories while enjoying some fresh air. Sledding helps to raise the heart raise with each climb up the hill pulling the sled behind you and if you have young kids most likely they will want a ride uphill in that sled. This is a great cardio and lower body workout.
Winter does not have to be an excuse for not exercising...use what nature gives us and enjoy your own backyard or neighborhood park.
No comments:
Post a Comment