Skiing & Winter Sports

Instead of backing off this winter, simply shift gears. Change the emphasis of your training to include activities that take advantage of the winter conditions. Cross-country skiing is an activity that runners can substitute for at least some of their workout. There are a number of reasons why this works well.

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For one thing, it gets you outside without having to slop through slush or climb through snowdrifts in your high-dollar running shoes. Exercising inside on treadmills or exercise bikes is just not the same for a runner used to the wind on his face. The cross-country skier may be outside, but he is warm because of his activity level. And, in most cases, there is scenery to enjoy that beats the heck out of the TV monitors hanging in front of the treadmills at the gym.

The workout is excellent and experts agree that cross-country skiing is among the most aerobically complete activities due to the high level of involvement and intensity of the upper body muscles, as well as the lower body. Depending on the style and technique you use, the shoulders, arms, upper and lower back, and the abdominal muscles are all involved to one degree or another. Strength and endurance are developed differently than in running.