Skiing and snowboarding are extremely popular winter sports in Australia and across the globe. Whether you like to keep active during the winter, you are simply up for a new challenge, or you always wanted to try, these sports don’t only offer a lot of fun, but they also come with a lot of health benefits, both for the body and the mind.
Whether you live near an area where you can go skiing or snowboarding in winter, or you are simply going on a winter vacation, there are so many reasons why you should start looking at the best snowboards and snow skis Australia has to offer and hit the slopes. And one of the best things about skiing and snowboarding is that they are a great activity for people of all ages because no matter how old you are, you can learn. Plus, they are perfect for children, and they are also a great option if you are looking to find a common activity for the entire family.
Promote Strength
We all know how important it is to exercise, and that one of the most important things we get out of that effort is that our bodies become stronger. If becoming strong is something that is important to you, winter sports are a great choice. This is because when you ski or snowboard, you use a wide range of muscle groups. It’s like the perfect full-body workout. But most importantly, it’s because these sports engage your core muscles.
Balancing on your snow skis or your snowboard requires engaging the core muscles. These muscles are very important, as they protect your major organs, as well as your spine. So, gaining strength is about much more than simply being strong. Of course, since your entire body is engaged when you are skiing or snowboarding, you are working on all of the muscles, however, your legs are probably getting the most rigorous workout, which is why lower body muscles get really strong with these sports.
As you are having a great time gliding down the slopes, your bones and joints also get stronger and stronger. This is mainly because of the tension and weight that your knees must endure, which will strengthen them. Strong knees equal lower risk of injuries, damage, as well as bone disease, etc. Moreover, as with all other demanding physical activities, skiing and snowboarding will make your cardiovascular system stronger. This means that your body will become more and more capable to cope with physical activities, as your stamina and your endurance grow.
Increase Your Flexibility
Being flexible is very important, as it also prevents injuries, sprains, and strains. As you are engaging the core muscles, and other muscle groups, your body gets more flexible. But while your flexibility will improve more and more over time, just like with any sports it is really important to be as flexible as possible to begin with, which is why you should always do a stretch routine, before and after going down the slopes with your snowboard or your skis.
Improve Your Motor Skills
To keep the body upright on your skis or snowboard, your body will always have to stay balanced, keeping your core muscles engaged all the time. This of course builds strength in your core muscles, but it will also improve your balance more and more over time. Moreover, during these activities your body will do a lot of things at the same time: keeping balance, while constantly coordinating small and big movements and positions of your body and swiftly changing them, and staying on your feet. All of these things require a lot of skills, and as you progress with the sport, these will also progress.
Boost Your Mental Health
Many of us are always more likely to really exercise and stick to physical activity when said activity is fun, and doesn’t really feel like working out. And even though skiing and snowboarding are so demanding, ultimately, they are some of the most fun sports that you can choose for you and your family.
Like all workouts, these sports also improve mental health, by reducing stress, improving mood, etc. This is due to some of our bodies’ natural responses to exercise, such as releasing the so-called happy hormones called endorphins and increasing dopamine and serotonin levels. However, when we enjoy doing something, and do something that we enjoy, our mental health always wins. Also, to ski or snowboard you have to spend time in nature, which means breathing clean and fresh air, and looking at some of nature’s beautiful creations.
Moreover, these sports require a lot of concentration, not only so that you can learn and master them, but also so that you stay safe while going down the slopes. Because of this, you will constantly have to stay conscious of your body, present in the moment and mindful, taking your mind off of your everyday troubles. This means that these sports will also help you improve your focus, which is important not only so that you can stay safe, but also for your performance at school, work, or at any task you have, as well as for your overall mental health. Naturally all this physical activity and fun will also help you get better sleep, which is crucial for our mental and physical health.
Burn Calories, Lose Weight, Gain Muscles
Obviously, something as demanding and dynamic as snowboarding and skiing will help you burn a lot of calories. So, looking good can be another reason why you are lucky that you can easily find good snowboards and snow skis Australia wide and hit the nearest skiing destination. Aside from the full-body workout, this is also due to the cold, because our bodies need even more energy to stay warm, meaning that winter sports may burn more calories than other exercises.