One of my Favorite Workouts: Snowshoeing

Today I want to share about one of my Favorite Workouts: Snowshoeing. When we moved up to the mountain regions, we thought we’d be hiking, skiing, etc. all the time. Nearly seven years later that is far from reality. To try and pick up the pace I got a pair of snowshoes on sale a couple years back. Sadly, finding people to go snowshoeing with is difficult, and so they really haven’t been used. However, recently my husband picked up a pair, so we are planning to get out there. Snow conditions weren’t optimal until this polar vortex hit a few days ago. We got a couple feet of snow which meant I could easily snowshoe around our village. This was my first real snowshoeing adventure, and it was fun! I am definitely hooked on this sport!

One of my Favorite Workouts: Snowshoeing

It was pure exhilaration to tromp on the path, plunging my snowshoes into the newly fallen soft snow. This was not slushy snow, but the good powdery stuff. The temperature was in the low twenties and tiny snowflakes were coming down as I slowly trudged along. One thing is for sure, I was going pretty slow. If you are a runner/walker don’t expect to start out doing the same distance you normally do. In this case, it is better to go by time spent. It took a lot of work and balance to lift my foot back out after each step; however, it was a tremendously satisfying workout, and the arctic air did my mental wellbeing a world of good.

benefits of snowshoeing

If you are the type who likes a good hard challenging workout, and you love the rush of exercise adrenaline then snowshoeing might just be your thing! This hardcore exercise routine will work out your thighs (both front and back). I really felt it in my inner thighs the next day. Additionally, you will work out your booty and calves. Your core and back are also challenged because of the need for continual balance. It felt like every part of my body was engaged for this 2-mile tramp! Lol- I also required some Ibuprofen later that night.

Another positive thing about snowshoeing is the lighter impact on your knees and joints. The snow acts as a cushion as opposed to pounding the pavement. However, you have to be careful as well not to injure your knees through falling. This is where balance and core are important.

Of course, being outdoors in the pristine snow in the woods is heavenly and so good for the mind and spirit. And focusing on mental wellbeing is so important right now. It is this aspect of the sport that I feel is most important. While I greatly value physical health, mental health is even more important. Outdoor sports in nature really cater to mental health with the all living green, fresh air, water, etc.

This was an incredible workout! In fact, it was harder than running. Sweat was pouring down my face and I quickly got hot in my thermal tech ski coat and pants. Gloves were stripped off and coat was unzipped as I plugged my way through 2 miles. I also used poles which really ramps up the workout. Normally, I run 5 miles each morning in about an hour. It took me an hour and a half to do 2 miles in snowshoes and 20 + inches of snow. One study showed that young and fit women can burn up to 800 calories an hour snowshoeing and using poles. As sore as I am feeling today, I am positive I burned at least 1000 calories!

Sources used:

www.berkeleywellness.com/fitness/active-lifestyle/article/snowshoeing-through-winter

www.snowshoemag.com/2020/04/16/health-benefits-snowshoeing/

www.bonejoint.net/blog/strap-on-a-pair-of-these-shoes-for-an-easy-efficient-winter-workout/

yukoncharlies.com/snowshoe-happier-healthier-winter/