Snowshoeing anyone?

Details

Published on Friday, January 16, 2015

By Wendy Marlett

My family surprised me with a gift of snowshoes and poles for Christmas, which has given me the opportunity to experience how enjoyable snowshoeing can be. 

Snowshoeing is the fastest growing winter sport in the world, surpassing snowboarding.  There are many reasons to take up the sport of snowshoeing.  Snowshoes are relatively inexpensive, starting at about $100 depending on the brand and style of snowshoe.  Snowshoeing is an effective, safe, low impact type of exercise.  The snow acts like a cushion reducing the impact on the lower extremities and spine.  There can be minimal risk of injury to the participant especially with the recreation style of snowshoeing.  

Key muscles in the legs, such as the hamstring, quadriceps, hip flexors, gluts and calf are toned and strengthened with the action of snowshoeing.  The use of poles incorporates the muscles of the upper back, chest, shoulders and arms to provide a total body strengthening activity.  Snowshoeing provides an excellent cardiovascular workout for the heart and lungs.  Studies have shown that snowshoeing burns 45 per cent more calories than jogging or running at the same speed.  Snowshoeing even edges out cross country skiing when considering the amount of calories used per minute.  Wearing snowshoes requires the individual to lift the legs higher than walking or running, major muscles are utilized and the body must work harder to keep warm when exercising outdoors in the winter results in a high energy, calorie burning activity.  Coordination, balance and endurance also improve with snowshoeing.

Snowshoeing can be practiced by anyone of any age.  If you can walk, you can snowshoe!  It makes an excellent family activity to get you outdoors, improves fitness levels and can be fun all at the same time.  Snowshoes have progressed from the traditional wood style which tended to have more bulk and weight than the more recent models constructed of aluminum.  The aluminum models have become the more popular choice due to the lightweight, strong and durable construction.  

Snowshoes can be narrowed down to three main categories or types.  Recreational hiking snowshoes are best suited for flat terrains and gentle slopes, can be used on or off trails and range from the occasional user to the more frequent user.  Running snowshoes have a narrow, sleek design and tend to be tougher than the recreational style.  The toughest style of snowshoes is the mountaineer snowshoe, designed for the backcountry and a more aggressive type of terrain.

Be smart and remember to listen to your body as snowshoeing can be physically taxing on the body.  Dress in layers, avoid cotton clothing, carry water to stay hydrated and know your limits.  Snowshoeing can be an individual or group sport offering many options.

Strap on a pair of snowshoes and get outdoors for some fitness and fun!  

Wendy is the owner of Step into Action Physiotherapy & Wellness Clinic and can be contacted at 476-3742 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .