Gliding down the slopes with the wind in your hair, with your family and friends just in front or behind, and a breathtakingly beautiful view laid out ahead of you. Skiing is a very popular leisure activity for many reasons, but what we don’t often think about is the health benefits that can be gained from this winter sport. Not only can you lose weight through a week of skiing, you can tone your muscles and help relieve stress! So aside from the vin chaudes, the après-ski parties and the delicious mountain meals, read The Slimming Clinic’s other reasons to book a ticket to the Alps this winter season!
1. Cardio
Skiing is a brilliant form of cardio exercise which is great as it aids the cardiovascular system by raising the heart rate which then speeds up the removal of waste from the body and allows oxygen and blood to be drawn in quicker meaning a healthier heart and lungs. This also leads to muscle expansion which will therefore burn calories quicker. So for beginners, it’s the falls, the walking up the slopes and the sheer energy needed for a new sport that can raise the heart rate. Whereas for advanced skiiers, it’s the steeper slopes with moguls and deep off-pistes that prove a physical challenge, ensuring that everyone gets their cardio workout from a day on the slopes.
2. Muscles
Almost every muscle in the body is worked whilst skiing. The bent-knee position that is adopted to tackle the down-hill exerts the outer thighs, the hamstrings and the buttock muscles, whilst the use of poles to control speed and direction works the biceps, triceps and lower arms. Moreover, the core muscles are used for balance, which aids the prevention of falls as well as coordination so your stomach muscles may get more toned!
3. Weight loss
A days skiing can burn more calories than a session at the gym, some experts suggest that one day on the slopes may even burn nearly 3000 calories. The steeper the slope the more effort your body takes to keep you balanced, hence the more calories you’ll burn. Being exposed to freezing temperatures also means that your body requires more energy to keep warm which will burn even more calories. And if you don’t compensate your skiing days with hot chocolates, vin chaudes and pastries you’ll find that after a week of skiing you may lose weight!
4. State of mind
The fresh air, the gorgeous views and spending time with friends and family all contribute to a healthy mind set. So a week of both relaxation and fun is a fantastic de-stressor, furthermore, the full days worth of exercise can aid sleep which in turn can help a positive state of mind.
So see you on the slopes for the best Winter Workout yet!
The Slimming Clinic can help you achieve your weight loss goals quickly and effectively.
The Slimming Clinic operate 27 clinics nationwide, specializing in medical weight loss and cosmetic treatments. They are the UK’s largest chain of specialist medical weight loss clinics. They employ over 150 staff across all clinics and have their Head Office located in Bournemouth. Their portfolio of related brands include Mmm (My Meal Mentor) diet meal packs.
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