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Snowshoes and Fitness in the Snow
There are several great outdoor activities to do in the winter, but the fastest growing sports is snowshoeing. Unlike skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing does not require lots of coordination and physical ability. One merely needs to be able to walk in the snow to snowshoe.
Snowshoes are not cheap, but you can buy everything you need for a lot less money than a skier or snowboarder can. Plus, there is no need for lessons or trips to an expensive ski destination, you can snowshoe pretty much anywhere there is a large open area.
Getting around on snowshoes is a relatively safe activity. Snowshoes are very stable and offer a great method to travel in the snow and get an aerobic workout at the same time. They can be a terrific, low impact, winter-time cardiovascular workout that doesn't punish your joints. If you are an experienced snowshoer and on the adventurous side, you will be able to explore some remote areas of our national parks that most people don't get to see in the winter time.
If you walk on the snow with regular shoes, you usually sink into the snow. But if you take your feet and put them into snowshoes, which will spread out the area where you make contact with the snow, you won't sink as much. You will be able to float somewhat on some types of snow. A snowshoe is pretty much the opposite of a woman's high-heel shoe which concentrates all of the user's weight into one point.
Snowshoes all look somewhat the same, but there are some important differences. The style and model that is right for you is dependent on your body weight, what type of snowshoeing you do and what kind of snow you will be in (wet or dry or in-between).
The biggest accessory you will need before you go out is a pair of trekking poles. A good pair of poles will help you maintain your balance as you trudge around and may be especially helpful when coming down a steep hill.
If you don't want to end up carrying extra boots with you, don't worry about buying special shoes to use with your new snowshoes. A good pair of insulated hiking boots will serve you well and are all you really need. Make sure you bring your boots with you to the store to make sure they will work before you buy.
When it comes to purchasing snowshoes, many online retailers will offer a package deal that will include poles and a carrying bag. Many ski areas and outdoor stores are now offering snowshoes for rent.
If you are going to be heading out into the snowy wilderness, make sure you let somebody know exactly where it is you are going to go to (just in case you don't come back). Be extra cautious in locations you don't know and don't try to take on too much at once.
Snowshoes are a great way to get non-skiers out and enjoying the winter season.
Snowshoes are not cheap, but you can buy everything you need for a lot less money than a skier or snowboarder can. Plus, there is no need for lessons or trips to an expensive ski destination, you can snowshoe pretty much anywhere there is a large open area.
Getting around on snowshoes is a relatively safe activity. Snowshoes are very stable and offer a great method to travel in the snow and get an aerobic workout at the same time. They can be a terrific, low impact, winter-time cardiovascular workout that doesn't punish your joints. If you are an experienced snowshoer and on the adventurous side, you will be able to explore some remote areas of our national parks that most people don't get to see in the winter time.
If you walk on the snow with regular shoes, you usually sink into the snow. But if you take your feet and put them into snowshoes, which will spread out the area where you make contact with the snow, you won't sink as much. You will be able to float somewhat on some types of snow. A snowshoe is pretty much the opposite of a woman's high-heel shoe which concentrates all of the user's weight into one point.
Snowshoes all look somewhat the same, but there are some important differences. The style and model that is right for you is dependent on your body weight, what type of snowshoeing you do and what kind of snow you will be in (wet or dry or in-between).
The biggest accessory you will need before you go out is a pair of trekking poles. A good pair of poles will help you maintain your balance as you trudge around and may be especially helpful when coming down a steep hill.
If you don't want to end up carrying extra boots with you, don't worry about buying special shoes to use with your new snowshoes. A good pair of insulated hiking boots will serve you well and are all you really need. Make sure you bring your boots with you to the store to make sure they will work before you buy.
When it comes to purchasing snowshoes, many online retailers will offer a package deal that will include poles and a carrying bag. Many ski areas and outdoor stores are now offering snowshoes for rent.
If you are going to be heading out into the snowy wilderness, make sure you let somebody know exactly where it is you are going to go to (just in case you don't come back). Be extra cautious in locations you don't know and don't try to take on too much at once.
Snowshoes are a great way to get non-skiers out and enjoying the winter season.
About the Author:
Although he says to be just a snowboarder, Robert Jensen likes the simplicity and convenience of snowshoes and snowshoeing through the park he lives near. He recommends browsing through some of the best online snowshoe stores to get an idea of which snowshoes might be best for you.