12 hours Ago By Partner content by Meg Moore
Getting outside to hit the powder or take on the wake is a great way to shake up your workout routine. Both types of skiing deliver high-intensity interval training, or HIIT, plus you’ll also experience the joy that a jolt of vitamin D delivers. No matter your slalom style, circuit or scene, here’s why you should consider clipping in, or stepping into, skis.
For a heart-healthy endeavor, skiing is a great activity, with similar effects to cycling or rowing workouts. High-speed runs increase your heart rate and the blood flow to your muscles, which helps build endurance and improves cardiovascular fitness. While both snow and water sports work your core, especially your obliques, skiing also ensures a vigorous leg day.
Since you’re squatting for the duration of the run, you strengthen your glutes, calves and hamstrings, much more than many other workouts. According to a 2013 Journal of Sports Science and Medicine study , it’s a complete lower-body workout. You don’t need to ski the black diamond run or master tricks for skiing to kickstart your metabolism.
A vigorous ski session on either snow or water will burn between 400 to 600 calories per hour, depending on your body weight. Another great reason to take up either sport? Skiing also allows you to push hard, anywhere from 20 seconds to 15 minutes, and then take a break. Studies reveal that this style of “work-hard-then-rest workout,” called high-intensity interval training , can provide long-term health benefits in addition to an adrenaline rush.
The dopamine and endorphin rush on every run not only makes skiing an exciting type of balance training , but also benefits your overall functional health (mechanical well-being). Since mobility is one of the key indicators of longevity, and skiing requires strong coordination and balance, regular outings strengthen your joints and muscles. And over time, this focused training can help prevent falls later in life.
No matter if you slalom on snow or water, skiing with friends is the name of the game. It’s more than just a workout — skiers experience positive effects on their mental health and well-being from getting outside and socializing après ski. (Just look at all the flushed faces with huge grins in any ski lodge or on the water.
) If that’s not enough to convince you to round up your friends, research shows skiing improves mood for older adults. Embrace a more healthful life with information to help you Eat Well, Be Mindful, Take Care and Move More..
