5 Ways Snow Can Slim Your Belly
Snow, yes snow! There is plenty to go around at this time of the year. We love to sit inside and watch it drift down and give everything a fresh blanket of white. People sing songs about it. Kids LOVE it! And of course, who doesn’t secretly hope for a white Christmas every year? I do! And I also LOVE playing in the snow! Here are 5 ways you can slim down your mid-section just by getting out in the snow!
1. Shoveling: Ok, this is not the most fun way to move, but it is effective! I secretly enjoy shoveling knowing that I’m getting in a good workout while also getting something done. You can see where you’ve been, track your progress easily and there is such a sense of accomplishment when you are finished! Shoveling challenges your lower extremity, upper extremity, core, and cardiovascular system – all at once! It really is a great workout!
2. Build a fort or snowman: Once you’ve shoveled all that snow, it creates the perfect starting point for a fort. Using your hands to craft a fort takes a lot of energy. Also, rolling snowballs around the yard to create snowmen is hard work! But it’s also very fun and has an end result that makes anyone smile. Isn’t this why we send our kids out into the snow, to help them burn some of that endless energy? Get out there with your kids, grandkids, or neighbor kids and have some fun while getting in a great workout!
3. Hiking or walking in snow: Besides the fact that it is beautiful getting out and walking in the snow, you expend quite a bit more energy than regular walking. Make sure you are walking safely and using yak trax or some other traction device if there could potentially be icy streets or sidewalks.
4. Sledding: Do you remember how thrilling it was to jump on a sled and soar down the hill? Be a kid again and join in with your kids or grandkids. Walking up the hill towing a sled (and possibly a small child!) is a sure-fire way to get your motor running and burn some serious calories!
5. Skiing: Skiing or snowboarding in itself is a great workout, particularly on a powder day. But getting all the gear on, carrying it to and from the mountain, and taking it all off at the end of the day definitely adds to the incredible workout that this amazing sport provides. Not ready for downhill? Nordic Skiing (cross-country) is one of the best workouts you can do. And it’s much easier to pick up than downhill if this is your first time. These last options definitely require some preparation and proper training to participate safely.
Bottom line is snow requires you to wear more clothing and negotiate through and around more obstacles, which ultimately requires more effort and burns more calories than doing any of these activities without snow. Take the necessary precautions, be prepared, and get out there and have some fun!
