 | 46% of snowshoers are women
| 12% of snowshoers are children aged
7-17
| 55% of snowshoers are under the age
of 45
| 1.4 million people identify
themselves as snowshoers, a 60% increase in the last decade
| You burn 45% more calories
snowshoeing than walking or running at the same speed |
| | | |
Fitness Benefits and/or Muscles
Used
| Snowshoeing is a cross-training
conditioning sport, offering a low-impact, safe form of exercise. It is
ideal for anyone interested in an aerobic workout combined with strength
training and muscle endurance.
| Snowshoeing is a great aerobic
exercise that will improve or maintain cardiovascular fitness as well as
burn calories.
| Snowshoeing uses every major muscle
group at relatively high intensity for extended periods of time, thus
requiring high caloric expenditure.
| Research has shown that individuals
who substitute snowshoeing for running during the winter actually improve
their running fitness over those who chose to run as their primary source of
winter training.
| The physical demands of snowshoeing
can build up endurance levels and strengthen quadriceps for runners.
| Muscles used are similar to those
used in walking and hiking hilly terrain. Hip flexors may receive more of a
workout and quads may get more exercise than usual in walking due to the
lifting motion of each step.
| Climbing in snowshoes works the hip
flexors and extensors, crucial muscles for cyclists.
| The use of poles while snowshoeing
gets the upper body moving and helps condition arms, shoulders and back
muscles.
|
| | | | | | |
| Calories
Burned |
Adults*
|
Children**
|
|
Activity
|
Calories
burned/hr
|
Weight
|
Calories
burned/hr
|
Weight
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Snowshoeing
|
472 calories/hr
|
130 lbs
|
242 calories/hr
|
70 lbs
|
| |
563calories/hr
|
155 lbs
|
302 calories/hr
|
90 lbs
|
| |
690 calories/hr
|
190 lbs
|
378 calories/hr
|
110 lbs
|
*www.nutristrategy.com
**calculations are estimates based on consultation with American College of
Sports Medicine
Social/Adventure Benefits
| Snowshoeing can accommodate a variety
of fitness levels—a casual hike in the woods, an overnight backpacking
trip or an alpine climb.
| Snowshoeing is a very inexpensive
way to spend time with the entire family. Bring your crazy carpet so
you can slide down what you climb up!
| With a nearly immediate learning
curve, snowshoeing provides hours of fun for adults and children of all
ages.
| Simplicity is perhaps one of the
biggest draws to this sport. Snowshoes can be used in various types of snow
conditions so, no matter what the weather, everyone can enjoy the great
outdoors. |
| | |
Even More Good News
| There is no need to venture
into high risk avalanche terrain while snowshoeing. A great workout
and fun day can be had in safe terrain, far away from steep slopes.
| Snowshoes have been in use for 6000
years and were one of the earliest forms of transportation. |
| Anyone can snowshoe—It is as
simple as walking.
| Snowshoes are easy to put on and
take off, just like putting on another pair of shoes.
| Snowshoeing requires modest physical
effort with no fancy techniques or theories to learn. Learning curve is
immediate.
| Snowshoes are highly maneuverable
so, outdoor enthusiasts can go where cross country skiers and snowmobiles
cannot.
| Snowshoeing offers participants the
peaceful, quiet serenity of a snow-covered landscape –a great activity for
the body and soul. |
| | | | |
Sources:
| Fit Frog Adventures, Calgary,
Alberta
| The American Hiking Society |
| Tubbs Shoes
| National Sporting Goods
Association 2004 Sports Participation Study |
| |
|
