Jes Reynolds…Your Fitness Coach

Recently I started writing a column in a local newspaper, The Sun Times.  Although this isn’t my first article in the paper, I wanted to share a sample of what I’m writing with you.  Plus, I thought maybe you could use the ideas to have fun despite the freezing cold temperatures.

Although winter conditions present a challenge it is still important for parents and children to maintain cardiovascular health. When faced with cold temperatures, blowing wind, and harsh conditions day in and day out, most of us would choose curling up with a good book over venturing outside to shovel snow. And while parents might choose reading, kids would rather play video games and watch movies than sled or ice skate.

Some of the ways you can stay active during the winter is by participating in outdoor winter activities. Building snowmen, making snow angels, and having snowball fights are great ways to have fun and enjoy being outside. Fun activities like this help you get acclimated to the conditions and get some fresh air. If you are looking for something more serious than front yard games, winter sports are another option. Sports such as tobogganing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and skating are all activities that allow you to have fun and keep moving during the winter, but one of the best ways you can stay active and enjoy winter is cross country skiing.

Cross country skiing is excellent way for both people of all ability levels to get exercise because it’s a natural movement it is very easy to learn. Skiing is also excellent for cardiovascular health, burning more calories per hour than any other form of exercise.

Calories Burned

*www.nutristrategy.com
**calculations are estimates based on consultation with American College of Sports Medicine

In addition to its health benefits, cross country skiing is a realistic activity for the entire family as 42% of skiers are women and 16% are children from age 7-17. Basic cross country skiing is easy to learn and affordable, with the average trail pass costing 12$ or 35$ for trail pass, rental equipment, and a lesson. The low impact nature of skiing allows grandparents, parents, young children to all participate without fear of injury while also allowing you to socialize and interact during the event.

You can enjoy the sunny and snowy days of winter at a variety of Metroparks around Southern Michigan. Ten area Metroparks provide seasonal cross country trails and five of those rent ski equipment. Trail use is free except for the required vehicle entry permit and maps are available at most Huron-Clinton Metroparks. If you would like to learn more about skiing at area Metroparks, visit http://www.metroparks.com/ and choose Cross Country skiing under the daily activities category.

Sources:

Cross Country Ski Areas Association

National Sporting Goods Associating 2004 Sports Participation Study