Skiing was especially popular in the second half of the 20th century. Today, many have forgotten about it, and undeservedly, because walking or skiing is an excellent option for physical activity that allows you to keep yourself in excellent physical shape and improve your health during the snowy season.

From our article, you will learn about the benefits of this sport, what effects it has on the human body, as well as the types of ski walking and whether it is worth teaching children to ski.

Benefits of skiing

Skiing is one of the most beneficial types of aerobic exercise. They have a wide variety of positive effects on the human body:

1. The simplest effect is a good mood. Ski slopes, as a rule, take place in picturesque places, which means that the athlete has a wonderful opportunity, in addition to the main occupation, to admire the beauty of nature, he gets aesthetic pleasure, which will certainly affect his mood. In the process of driving, the body intensively produces hormones of joy - endorphins. This helps fight depression.
2. Hardening effect. The environmental conditions during a ski trip are constantly changing: snow, wind, frosty air - every skier faces these natural factors. The body learns to respond correctly to weather changes, which means that its resistance to adverse external factors increases.
3. Blood flow and respiration are activated. In the process of skiing, as with any other types of movements, the heart contracts more often, blood circulates faster through the vessels, which expand at the same time. Breathing becomes more frequent and deeper, which means that the blood is better saturated with oxygen and delivers it to all organs and tissues of the body. Signs of oxygen starvation disappear, metabolic processes are accelerated, metabolic products (the so-called slags) are actively excreted from the body.
4. All the above processes - both environmental conditions, and the activation of blood circulation, respiration, metabolism - certainly have an impact on the immune system, significantly strengthening it. A person involved in skiing is less likely to catch any infections, and if he does get sick, he is not seriously ill, without complications and recovers quickly.
5. The blood supply to the kidneys also improves. They begin to work more intensively, removing excess fluid and toxic metabolic products from the body.
6. In the process of skiing, almost all muscle groups are involved. In this case, the maximum load falls on the muscles of the lower extremities - the thighs and lower legs, the muscles of the press and back, as well as the upper extremities, work a little less actively. Such a load on the muscles leads to an increase in their tone. They take on an attractive shape, become stronger. The endurance of the athlete increases. Please note: different types of skiing affect different muscle groups; if you need to tidy up your hips, use a skate course, and for problematic buttocks, skate in the classic way.
7. For those who want to lose weight, skiing is also a great option. Depending on the pace of the walk and the type of technique, the body burns from 500 to 1200 kilocalories per hour of training. This is even more than when running or swimming.
8. Skis are also useful for the musculoskeletal system, as they allow you to strengthen it. In particular, this applies to the knee joints: while skiing, a person does not make sharp, but soft, smooth movements. This is the best load on the joint - it does not injure it, but on the contrary - it stimulates the production of joint fluid, improves the functioning of the joint as a whole.

Techniques (types) of skiing

First of all, it should be said that, depending on the pace of the walk, walking and skiing are distinguished. The latter, of course, is a load of a higher level, however, it is preferable for beginner skiers who are just learning this sport to start with walking.

It is also important to mention that there are 2 types of skis - cross-country and mountain. Each of them can use different styles of riding.

So, in cross-country skiing, there are 2 skiing techniques - the classic move and the skating move.

The classic move is characterized by riding simultaneously on two skis located in parallel. It can be used both on a special track - a ski track, and outside it - on rough terrain. This style of riding is often quite difficult for a beginner athlete, but this is only a matter of experience - as you acquire the appropriate skills, the problem disappears.

Skating on skis is technically similar to that on skates. The athlete leans alternately on one or the other ski, pushing off the snow surface with its inner side. This style of skiing requires a special, well-rolled, fairly wide track, and from the athlete - maximum coordination of movements of the upper and lower extremities. It allows the athlete to gain a higher speed compared to the classic move. This type of move is a rather high load on the rider's body, so it should be used by people who do not suffer from serious diseases of the respiratory and (especially!) cardiovascular systems.

There are more styles in downhill skiing than in cross country skiing:

1. Tourist style. This is a whole complex of classes, foreseen in advance by its organizers. It includes relaxation in a specialized resort and skiing under the guidance of an instructor.
2. Sport style. Includes easy slalom, giant slalom and downhill. This is a competitive style, the essence of which is to overcome a certain track without technical errors and in the minimum possible time. For him, separate slopes are equipped with flags arranged in a certain order, which the athlete should go around according to a given principle.
3. Freeride. Translated from English, it literally means "free ride". It implies skiing outside specially equipped slopes and tracks. Suitable exclusively for professionals and for lovers of extreme sports.
4. Freestyle. Literally means "free style". It provides for not just driving on the track, but riding on hillocks, also in combination with ski jumping. Included in the program of the Winter Olympic Games. Includes disciplines such as:
   • ski acrobatics (athletes during skiing perform very complex acrobatic jumps from a special springboard);
   • mogul (descent along a hilly slope (hillocks - moguls) and ski jumping);
   • ski-cross (passage of a specially prepared ski slope with obstacles - springboards, turns - for speed);
   • halfpipe (downhill skiing, during which the athlete is in a special design - a halfpipe, which looks like half a pipe);
   • slopestyle (from slope - slope and style - style; a series of acrobatic stunts on special devices - pyramids, springboards, railings and others, located one after another along the entire route);
   • new school (a new type of freestyle using special twintip skis - with curved heels that allow the athlete to land after jumping backwards; the style combines snowboarding and mogul techniques with acrobatic stunts).

Of course, freestyle is an activity exclusively for professional skiers. Beginners should choose a simpler style.

Previously, freestyle also included the so-called ski ballet, the second name of which is figure skiing. Now this style of skating is gradually being forgotten.

Skiing and age

Skiing is useful for children and adults.

Many readers are probably interested in at what age skis can be offered to a child. Experts believe that healthy, normally developing children can start riding as early as 2-2.5 years. Of course, at first, the dosage regimen should be observed - the duration of a ski trip for such kids should not exceed 10-15 minutes, for children 4-5 years old - 20-30 minutes, for preschoolers - 30-40 minutes. As the child masters the skills of riding, as his muscles adapt to the new type of load, the duration of the walk can be gradually increased.

You can attend organized skiing classes (ski section) from 6-7 years old. The maximum age for starting classes is 13-14 years old. Of course, this applies only to those children who want to connect their future with skiing - to become a professional athlete in this area. For those who simply seek to improve their health and develop endurance, there are no age restrictions - if the doctor allows, even people over 80 can go skiing.

Preparing for skiing

If you are new to skiing, it will be more than difficult for you to immediately get on skis and overcome a long distance on them. That is why it is very desirable to increase the level of your physical activity even before the start of the snow season: perform vigorous physical exercises daily with an emphasis on breathing, running in place and special exercises for skiers. You should also walk more, striving to overcome at least 1 time in 5-7 days in one such walk about 5-7 km. The total duration of both exercises and walks should not be less than 40 minutes.

In addition, it is very important to get the go-ahead for skiing from your doctor and research the area where you plan to ski (special attention should be paid to the availability of mobile communications in it, so that in case of any unpleasant situation you can get through to where need and ask for help).

Equipment

First of all, you need to choose the right skis. Yes, yes, there are several types of them - amateur, mountain, walking, universal, professional, and so on. They differ in the material from which they are made, width, length and other parameters. The most important thing is that the skis are in size - not small and not large. Their length is needed so that your outstretched hand reaches the edges of a vertically placed ski with your fingers. The sticks should be just above your armpits. Sticks should be chosen strong, elastic and light. The sliding surface of the skis is flat, smooth, without knots. Fastenings - ideally with a steel bracket - this is reliable. If this is your first time buying skis, it's best to seek professional help.

The clothes and shoes you plan to wear should be suitable for the weather conditions and your resistance to them. If you are planning long walks, take into account possible temperature changes and other changes in the weather and consider these moments in the selection of clothes. Shoes should be waterproof, comfortable, spacious - containing several pairs of warm socks. The ideal boot has a uniform fit, flexible soles and detachable cuffs. After purchase, soak them with drying oil or fish oil (to reduce the risk of getting wet), and also rub with laundry soap. Do this procedure 2-3 times a day for 2 days, and the leather of the boots will become waterproof and elastic.

• Please read the rules of conduct on the ski slopes carefully before starting your lessons.
• Wash your feet thoroughly and apply a layer of petroleum jelly to areas subject to shoe friction, and only then put on socks and ski boots.
• Lubricate skis with a special ointment before use (depending on the air temperature outside).
• Take a thermos of hot tea with you - if you get cold, it will help you warm up faster.
• Prepare a backpack, put in it things that may be useful to you on the road (including a thermos).
• Monitor your condition carefully. If you experience symptoms of hypothermia (feeling cold, tingling of the skin of exposed areas of the body) or overheating (feeling hot, dizzy, and so on), stop and warm up or, on the contrary, take off an extra layer of clothing.
• If you want to keep fit, go skiing for 40-60 minutes once every 3 days, that is, 2-3 times a week. If you need to lose weight, you will have to train more often - preferably every other day.

Cross-country skiing is a great way to develop endurance, improve health and preserve beauty and youth for a long time.

There is a type of outdoor exercise that not only has a beneficial effect on the body, but is also considered a wonderful winter entertainment. And this activity is called skiing, the benefits of which are obvious.

There is hardly a more democratic and affordable activity than skiing. There is hockey and figure skating, skiing and snowboarding. But to practice these sports, certain conditions and resources are required. Simple cross-country skis are relatively inexpensive, and you can ride them in the nearest park. This is where their versatility comes in.

A person who skis regularly less likely to get sick and less prone to viral diseases and colds. Over time, he develops a sense of balance, and the vestibular apparatus becomes more perfect. Plus, the body becomes less susceptible to various diseases, that is, it is obvious.
When a person runs on skis, the walls of the blood vessels shake and vibrate, and not only them: the internal organs also “do not sleep”, but are subjected to the same influence from the outside. As a result of this vibration and concussion, the walls of the vessels are cleansed of all that superfluous and harmful that has accumulated in them. In addition, significantly improves the functioning of the digestive system, liver and kidneys. The body is freed from toxins and excess salt, because all this comes out of it with sweat. Even if the load is insignificant, sweat will still stand out, and even when the skier moves at an accelerated pace, even more so.

What muscle groups work

We can say that all muscle groups are involved in the work. But the muscles of the lower leg and thigh are especially “zealous” in this. In addition, the muscles of the shoulder girdle, back, abdomen, arms and even neck are involved in active work. Although, the neck is the least involved. What does increased muscle work lead to? And to the fact that burns an incredible amount of kilocalories, and the body gets an excellent workout, that is, the body develops harmoniously. Plus, a person breathes fresh air, which means that his blood is perfectly enriched with oxygen.
It should be noted that skiing, the benefits of which cannot be in doubt, is much more preferable than jogging. And here's why: when a person runs, his joints are subjected to a colossal shock load. When skiing, such a load is minimized, therefore, the risk of injury to the joints is relatively small.

What happens to immunity

If the immune system could speak, it would say “thank you so much” to the person who got on the skis. The reader can read about the benefits of skiing above. As for immunity, it can be strengthened not only by yogurt from advertising, but also by leisurely skiing in the fresh air. After all, the heart works in an enhanced mode, and it is much easier for it to perform its functions, because the abundance of oxygen makes this work as efficient as possible.
Cardiac muscles get stronger, blood pressure normalizes, metabolism accelerates- of course, these factors cannot but have a positive effect on immunity. But that's not all: when the body consumes glycogen stores accumulated in its muscles and liver, it increases production of the hormone of joy - endorphin. And this is a serious application for getting rid of depression and other negative mental states. Skiing, the benefits of which have a scientific background, is perhaps the best way to get a psychological release.

How many kilocalories burn during exercise

The number of calories burned depends on several factors: the intensity of movement, the basal metabolic rate of the skier himself, the time of training, the ambient temperature, and even the terrain. It is clear that when climbing a hill, a person will spend more energy than when he is limited to calm sliding along a straight track.
Of course, it will be interesting for a potential skier to know how many calories are burned while skiing. Of course, there is no single value here, but the limits of energy consumption are known: from 400 to 1300 kilocalories per hour. Anyone who wants to lose weight, take note of this information. After all, skiing can strengthen the immune system, tighten muscles and reduce the amount of excess fat in the body.
The benefits of skiing are so huge that no one has the courage to prove otherwise. Only cycling can be compared with skiing in terms of energy consumption, but in winter you can’t ride a bike. And why, if there is a worthy alternative to cycling in the cold season. Of course, you can just do it regularly. But how many calories are burned when walking, and how many when skiing! There is a difference, and a very noticeable one.

What are the risks

There is a risk of getting lost in the forest. For me, this is fear number one, so I only ski on tracks with clearly marked boundaries and colored ribbons. Of course, if the ski track is rolled out, and the weather whispers “ride again”, then why not take advantage of the little happiness that has fallen?! But the fact is that in winter it quickly gets dark outside, the weather tends to change dramatically, and the skier can simply get tired. Therefore, in any case it is not recommended to go skiing through the forest alone.
You don't have to go far into the woods. Always remember that it also takes strength to return home. As for the weather, you should not rely on it too much. If it was frosty and sunny in the morning, then by noon a snowstorm or a blizzard may well break out, and it is very easy to get off the track and get lost in such weather. Another thing is if ski trips are made within the city. However, this also has its risks.

If a person does not have elementary skills, if he is sick or physically weak, then there is a risk of injury. When climbing a hill, the cardiovascular system is subjected to serious stress, which is highly undesirable for people suffering from heart disease, as well as the elderly. Such skiers are shown walking on a flat track that does not have serious hills. The speed of movement should be low, and the pace will have to be slowed down, because it makes no sense to show too much zeal.

Northern peoples do not have such a question. There, as soon as the child begins to walk, he is almost simultaneously put on skis. For skiing for the indigenous peoples of the North is life, and for citizens living in less harsh conditions, Movement is life.

Engaging in any kind of sport saves a person from blues, from health problems, from excess weight and from empty pastime. So is it worth giving up a great opportunity to do something affordable and simple?! After all, the benefits of skiing, regardless of the age at which a person set foot on the ski path, are incomparably greater than sitting in front of a TV or computer.
You can start skiing at any age. But if parents want to raise an athlete-skier, then it is necessary to accustom him to skiing from an early age. Children of primary school age who first went skiing are unlikely to become champions, but they will be healthy people if they do not lose interest in this activity.

Plastic skis can not be lubricated with ointment, because they glide perfectly on the snow anyway.
Calculate your physical abilities.
Prepare your inventory ahead of time.
Don't be afraid to fall. Ski poles are very reliable insurance.
Learn basic moves and stances.
Constantly complicate your task, learn to brake, turn and climb the hill in different ways.
Find your optimal dose of exercise.

And a special video for beginners, easy and affordable:

If you are a little over thirty, then you probably remember from childhood cheerful skiers in knitted hats and sweaters who rode in a trolleybus with skis and poles overweight to ride in the nearest park or on the nearest reservoir. I remember that on Lake Smolino in the city of Chelyabinsk, where I live, special ski tracks were even made for amateurs and athletes. And physical education lessons in winter were held on skis. Cross-country skiing in the Soviet Union was promoted as a great activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. And the polarity of cross-country skiing among the common people was enormous. This was also fueled by the successes of Soviet athletes at the Olympics and world championships. Today, cross-country skiing is becoming popular again among people of all ages, because it is a democratic, cheap and very useful form of outdoor activity.

What are the benefits of cross country skiing?

Let's look at everything point by point ... And so, let's go!

Cross-country skiing is a powerful recharge of good energy from nature.

On cross-country skis you enjoy the winter beauty of nature. After all, cross-country skiing takes place in forest park areas, on frozen rivers and lakes, in forests. And nature has a healing effect on a person. Such a concept in medicine as landscape therapy is known. Landscape therapy is a type of treatment that uses the beneficial effects on the body of a person's stay in an area with a beautiful landscape ...

Landscape therapy normalizes the functions of the nervous system, improves mood, energizes, improves sleep and appetite. Cross-country skiing on a frosty day hardens the body, develops resistance and endurance to the effects of cold. Cross-country skiing is of great benefit to your soul. Cross-country skiing has been proven by scientists to "banish" depression!

Cross-country skiing is a strengthening of immunity.

Cross-country skiing takes place in the clear frosty air. Environmental conditions are constantly changing. This forces the body to improve the mechanism of adaptation to external conditions. Simply trains the body! Which strengthens the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, increases resistance against viral infections and diseases of the upper respiratory tract. And the performance of muscular work increases the body's resistance to various diseases and improves its work.

Cross-country skiing is the salvation of your heart.

Regular cross-country skiing significantly improves the activity of the cardiovascular system. Often, people who have had a heart attack or stroke are recommended to cross-country ski.

How can cross-country skiing "save" your heart? You have probably heard and read a lot that death from cardiovascular diseases in our country is in the first place. This is due to the fact that we do not move much. Yes, many of us smoke, drink, eat malnourished and live in a state of constant stress due to fear of losing a job, defaulting on large loans and conflicts in the family. These factors, of course, contribute to the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. But still, one of the main causes of strokes and heart attacks is a sedentary lifestyle. We sit at work, we sit in transport, and at home we lie on the couch ...

Cross-country skiing improves blood circulation, significantly increases the ability of the heart to pump large volumes of blood. The strength of the contractions of the heart muscle increases, but the blood pressure rises little. Blood capillaries expand, and in dilated capillaries, resistance to blood flow decreases. A large number of capillaries reduces resistance to blood flow, which helps to reduce overall blood pressure. Moreover, the contractions of numerous muscles help move blood through the veins to the heart, which also facilitates its work.

These training effects lead to the fact that your heart becomes stronger, healthier, it slows down (or even disappears) the processes that lead to a change in its structure, which is deadly for life. Even a light walk raises the heart rate to 60-70% of the maximum. Cross-country skiing for only 20-30 minutes a day 2-3 times a week helps to increase the pumping function of the heart. This is the main benefit of cross-country skiing for your heart!

In addition, skiing has a positive effect on breathing. Pulmonary ventilation and gas exchange sharply increase. More oxygen gets into your blood, which means more nutrients get to the brain, heart and the whole body.

Cross-country skiing is about strengthening muscles and fighting excess weight.

Skiing uses more muscles than any other sport. When cross-country skiing, not only large, but also secondary muscles of the body are included in the work.

Cross-country skiing is a good way to maintain and improve physical fitness. Cross-country skiing arms and legs get a good workout. Cross-country skiing is an excellent upper body strengthening tool that helps compensate for the lack of use of the shoulder girdle and arms in everyday life.

Cross-country skiing "eats" a large amount of energy, which helps in the fight against excess weight. Only in the presence of oxygen can muscles use fat as an energy source. Cross-country skiing increases the aerobic capacity of the muscles, which allows them to extract more energy from food sources.

Cross-country skiing restores the balance of body fat mass and lean body mass, and simply burns extra calories. There is no better benefit from cross-country skiing for those who dream of losing weight. And it does not depend on the level of your training and ability to cross-country skiing!

Cross-country skiing is also of great benefit for strengthening muscles and joints. Your muscles increase aerobic fitness, increase resistance to fatigue and overall endurance. The benefit of cross-country skiing is that your muscles get a payload, get stronger and gain healthy strength. Skiing helps to develop the flexibility of muscles and joints, even train the abdominal muscles, that is, pump your abs. And remember, with regular cross-country skiing, your muscles will always be in good shape!

Who, how and how many times can do cross-country skiing?

It is recommended to start cross-country skiing at the age of 9. Cross-country skiing can be done at any age. Of course, age, chronic diseases and general health must be taken into account when determining the pace, time and distance of riding. Most importantly, listen to your body. If it’s hard for you, you don’t have enough strength and breath, then slow down the pace, shorten the distance. Increase the load gradually. Do a warm-up before riding. And then everything will be fine!

Doctors do not advise cross-country skiing only for certain diseases of the lungs and pleura and high myopia. So this type of outdoor activity has almost no contraindications.

Many well-known doctors strongly recommend their patients to engage in cross-country skiing, which may well, if not completely cure, then extend your life for many, many decades. And a long and happy healthy life is not good for a person?

To keep in shape, two classes a week will be enough for you. And to build it up 3-4 classes a week.

What do you need for cross-country skiing?

To ride on cross-country beds, you only need your desire. Cross-country skiing does not require special equipment and clothing. You can wear a comfortable warm jacket and sweatpants. The main thing is that the clothes do not hamper your movements. It is better to wear lighter clothing, as skiing releases more energy and makes you feel hot. If you don't have skis, you can rent them. It is inexpensive. In our city, plastic ski rental costs 100 rubles per day. And if you become a fan of cross-country skiing (and there are many such people), then in any sports store buy yourself clothes, boots, skis and poles. The cost of equipment for cross-country skiing is several times less than for skiing!

Do you need special skills and abilities for cross-country skiing? Yes, there are special cross-country skiing techniques. But they will be more useful to athletes. At the amateur level, you can simply move your legs and push off with sticks. Of course, if you like cross-country skiing, you can master the technique of skating and classic skiing.

Where to ride? The difference between cross-country skiing and mountain skiing is that you don’t have to go anywhere. Usually in each city there are forested areas, reservoirs with ski tracks and cross-country ski rentals nearby. In addition, in some ski resorts, along with ski slopes, cross-country skiing tracks have also been built. Many sanatoriums and rest houses, which usually stand in forests or on the banks of water bodies, have cross-country ski rentals with paved trails.

So keep it up and get healthy!

Skiing benefit

skiing benefits

cross-country skiing

The benefits of cross-country skiing

benefits of walking + skiing

benefits of running + skiing

skiing + cross-country skiing

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cross-country skiing

Skiing, without a doubt, is a great way not only to increase the endurance of the cardiovascular system and strengthen various muscle groups of the body, but also to comprehensively improve health and immunity through physical activity in the fresh air. That is why skiing is good for people of all ages.

It is also important to note that skiing improves mood and helps fight seasonal depression caused by lack of sun in winter. The main reason for this is the bright daylight, which is amplified by the reflection from the snow. Fitseven has already written that it is the lack of bright light that is one of the main reasons for the development.

Cross-country skiing: what muscles work?

Cross-country skiing makes almost the entire musculature of the human body work. The load falls on both large muscle groups - starting from the muscles of the buttocks, legs and abdomen, ending with the muscles of the arms and back - and on various ones that provide, among other things, the formation of cubes on the press.

Among other things, during skiing, the cardiovascular system is also actively involved in the work - the fact that the presence of multilayer clothing increases the internal temperature of the body and literally makes the heart work faster and pump more blood also plays a role. Ultimately, skiing even helps lower cholesterol levels.

Do skis help you lose weight?

Skiing is one of the best ways to lose weight and fight excess weight. It is also important that cross-country skiing can be called the most effective cardio for drawing the relief of the abdominal muscles and the press - this effect is achieved due to the complex involvement in the work of both external and internal layers of the muscles of the body.

Skiing is a good thing. Scientific studies show that for every hour of skiing, about 500-1200 kilocalories are burned - the final figure always depends on the technique used and the overall intensity of the training. Among other things, the terrain also directly affects the number of calories burned during a ski trip, since it is harder to climb a mountain.

Contraindications for skiing

Cross-country skiing, just like swimming, has practically no contraindications and is suitable even for people experiencing various problems with joints and ligaments - unlike, for example, running. Recall that running is most often quite detrimental (especially in the case of people who are overweight).

The soft and fluid motions of skiing provide gentle improvement to the body's joints while providing additional hydration. However, older people are always advised to use proper technique when skiing, try not to fall and, if possible, remember to drink adequate fluids.

The dangers of cross-country skiing

The key danger of cross-country skiing is the risk of injury from a bad fall. But, obviously, this danger is much lower than when skiing or snowboarding. We also note that skiing on fresh snow in the forest requires some practice and the ability to avoid unexpected failures in the pits.

Other dangerous factors in skiing are dehydration and sunburn - since in cold weather you most often do not want to drink, and the water itself cools down rather quickly, it is important for athletes to have a thermos with warm tea with them. Among other things, in sunny weather, it is recommended to apply a cream with SPF protection on your face.

Skiing to strengthen immunity

As we mentioned above, regular skiing strengthens the cardiovascular system, improves the functioning of the heart muscles, normalizes blood pressure and optimizes metabolic processes. In total, these factors really have a positive effect on increasing immunity and the body's ability to resist colds.

The role is also played by the fact that physical activity at sub-zero temperatures makes a person breathe more often, increasing the amount of oxygen used - this causes the body to produce more hormones of joy and provokes the so-called "runner's euphoria". Not to mention the fact that skiing in the forest just gives you a chance to breathe clean air.

The benefits of skiing for children

FitSeven has already written that strength training with dumbbells and a barbell is strictly not recommended for teenagers under 16-18 years old, but in many European countries. Cross-country skiing is a great alternative as skiing is suitable for people of all ages.

Children who start cross-country skiing in the winter usually easily switch to summer sports activities. It is also important that a family skiing trip to the forest is not just an ordinary physical training. It's a healthy, fun (and, importantly, affordable) way to have a great time with the whole family.

***

Skiing is one of the most enjoyable and affordable ways to improve health in the winter. The main benefit of regular skiing is the improvement of the cardiovascular system, the burning of a sufficiently large number of calories and the comprehensive involvement of various muscles of the body, which helps to achieve a relief press.

Health is invaluable. More than one medical study has been devoted to this topic. During which, doctors came to a number of conclusions.

Skiing improves health:

In the process of skiing, blood flow and respiration are activated. When skiing, as with any other type of movement, the heart contracts more often, blood circulates faster through the vessels, which expand at the same time. Breathing becomes more frequent and deeper, which means that the blood is better saturated with oxygen and delivers it to all organs and tissues of the body. Signs of oxygen starvation disappear, metabolic processes are accelerated, metabolic products (the so-called slags) are actively excreted from the body.

In addition, physical activity at temperatures below zero has a hardening effect, increasing the protective functions of the body. A person involved in skiing is less likely to catch any infections, and if he does get sick, he is not seriously ill, without complications and recovers quickly.

They are also useful for the musculoskeletal system, as they allow you to strengthen it. In particular, this applies to the knee joints: while skiing, a person does not make sharp, but soft, smooth movements. This is the best load on the joint - it does not injure it, but on the contrary - it stimulates the production of joint fluid, improves the functioning of the joint as a whole.

Skiing strengthens muscles:

When skiing, almost all muscle groups are involved, not only large, but also secondary. In this case, the maximum load falls on the muscles of the lower extremities - the thighs and lower legs, the muscles of the press and back, as well as the upper extremities, work a little less actively. Such a load on the muscles leads to an increase in their tone. They take on an attractive shape, become stronger. The endurance of the athlete increases. Please note: different types of skiing affect different muscle groups.

And, of course, skiing will not help build muscle, but it is a great way to keep them in good shape.

Skiing strengthens the joints:

Soft and smooth movements when skiing provide improved performance and additional hydration of the knee joints, which is extremely important for their long trouble-free "work". And in general, skiing is considered one of the safest for joints and ligaments, because, unlike, for example, running, the shock load is minimal.

Skiing helps you lose weight

For those who want to lose weight, skiing is a great option. For every hour of skiing, about 500-1200 calories are burned. This is even more than when running or swimming. The figure depends, for the most part, on what technique you use and how intensively you move. In addition, the mountainous terrain makes you burn more calories.

Skiing improves mood:

Ski slopes, as a rule, take place in picturesque places, which means that the athlete has a wonderful opportunity, in addition to the main occupation, to admire the beauty of nature, he gets aesthetic pleasure, which will certainly affect his mood. In the process of driving, the body intensively produces hormones of joy - endorphins. This helps fight depression.

Bonus:

Another undoubted advantage of skiing is the complete absence of age restrictions. You can ride small children, the younger generation, and even older athletes.

Conclusion

Skiing is a means of physical education for people of any age, state of health and level of physical fitness.

Skiing in the clear frosty air significantly increases the body's resistance to a variety of diseases, has a positive effect on mental and physical performance, and has a positive effect on the nervous system.

During skiing, the most important moral and volitional qualities are successfully brought up: courage and perseverance, discipline and diligence, the ability to endure any difficulties, physical endurance.

Therefore, no matter how old you are, now is the time to start skiing!