Last updated on February 3rd, 2023 at 12:17 pm
Snow is falling, days are shorter, and the weather has officially turned to a wintry mess. While this is a nightmare for driving it is perfect for cross country skiing. Whether new to the sport, or just doing some research for upcoming snowy February days, it is important to consider just how many benefits you’ll get from cross-country skiing. If the snow and cold are deterring you from getting outside, this post intends to provide some final words of encouragement to leave the comfort of your home and strap on some skis. Below are 9 benefits cross country skiing offers.
1. Experience The Beauty of Winter
All too often we confine ourselves to the indoors during the coldest months of the year. And why wouldn’t we? After all, it’s cold out there! Regardless of temperature there is no arguing with the fact that winter can be beautiful too.
One of the best attributes to winter recreational activities is being able to experience the beauty of the snow covered landscape. With cross country skiing there is the added benefit of being on the snow when there aren’t a ton of people out there; for this reason, cross country skiing is a perfect way to enjoy nature.
2. Less People on Trails to Contend With
If you love people, but wish less of them knew about your favorite running or hiking trail, you are just like me.
Cross country skiing is a less popular activity so there will naturally be less people in your way on the trails. This is good because the space you will need to move on those skis is a bit more than if you were just pumping your arms on a hike.
Not only are their less cross country skiers out there, but there are less trail users in the winter months in general. If having more space on the trails isn’t a good reason to get on some skis, I don’t know what is.
3. The Quiet of Winter Mornings
Winter is a time of calm, reflection, and above all else quiet. This has been true of winter as far back as humanity goes. People stay indoors, our sleep increases to match the change in day length, and less of the loud construction work can happen in the cold months. No, I am not trying to convince you to hit the snooze alarm in the morning, I am trying to encourage you to take advantage of the wonderful quiet winter has to offer.
In fact, check out our Best Headlamps for Trail Running post for some amazing options to illuminate your morning trail.
Waking up a bit early on a cold Saturday morning and hitting some trails with cross country skis, puts you directly into the perfect environment for reveling in the quiet stillness of winter.
Just imagine: The trails are empty, the sun is coming up, and you are 20 minutes into the best possible way to start your day. If you think meditation is cathartic just try skiing up a slight incline.
4. Burn TONS of Calories Cross Country Skiing
Not that all of us are trying to lose weight, but with winter often comes more sugary treats and holiday cooking. Cross country skiing might actually be the best activity to pick-up if you are wanting to combat the potential of winter weight gain.
Calories Burned in One Hour
Just as an example, a 150 lb person cross country skiing for one hour at an easy pace (and on easy terrain), can burn between 600 and 700 calories.
If you want to do some calorie calculations on your own, check out this cross country calorie counting tool. The tool allows you to enter your specific weight, and duration, and then provides a list of potential calories burned for different terrain and exertion levels.
There are a lot of variables when it comes to weight loss, but having some perspective when it comes to an activity is helpful.
If you are looking to burn calories cross country skiing will definitely burn more than the other indoor activities the winter brings.
Additionally, we compare cross sountry skiing to another very popular winter sport in our Calories Burnt Snowshoeing vs Cross Country Skiing post.
5. Cross Country Skiing Keeps you Warm in Cold Weather
If the winter cold is the main deterrent keeping you from strapping skis on your feet, you can throw that fear right out the window. Because cross country skiing requires significant energy, you will not be cold while cross country skiing.
As noted earlier in this article, cross country skiing burns a lot of calories. You can’t burn calories unless energy is used. This means you are literally going to be creating warmth.
It is more likely than not that you will be thankful for the brisk air while cross country skiing. In fact, it might be more of a challenge to keep from overheating while cross country skiing. We compare this sport with running in our Cross Country Skiing vs Running post.
6. Cross Country Skiing Improves Cardiovascular Health
When cross country skiing your body requires a ton of oxygen to complete the task. This increases heart rate and as a result cross country skiing can improve your cardiovascular health.
Whether participating in a sprint or a long distance skiing adventure you are going to be pumping a lot of blood and processing a ton of oxygen. According to Harvard Medical School, this type of exercise helps prevent “Three Major Killers: Heart Disease, Stroke, and Colon Cancer.” The results of continual aerobic activity are a great benefit to your health.
7. Cross Country Skiing Combats the 'Winter Blues'
In winter the day length decreases, we are inside more, and we may not see those we love as often as we like. These are triggers for seasonal depression. Cross country skiing is a fantastic way to get outdoors, release endorphins and keep happy.
According to Harvard Medical School, exercise can help combat depression (source). Part of this has to do with the release of stress, but also the overarching benefits you gain from improved body image, a sense of accomplishment, and feeling better.
A key component to fighting seasonal depression is having helpful support structures; this means stay involved with friends and family. Cross country skiing is a perfect winter activity where the benefit of participating with friends can be felt.
Cross country skiing is the perfect way to fight the ‘cold weather blues’.
8. Cross Country Skiing is a Perfect Excuse to See Friends
Tired of meeting your friends at bars and for brunch? Well, even if you aren’t tired of brunches, cross country skiing provides a creative activity for you and your friends to gather around during the winter.
Most places that get snow every season have places that will rent cross country skis, or if you and your friends are looking to commit to a new hobby there are tons of ski options out there. Regardless, of what you strap on your feet, there is no question cross country skiing with a friend (or two!) will make your adventure more fun.
9. Get More Defined Muscles Cross Country Skiing
Cross country skiing is a perfect activity for having fun in the winter, but it may also just be the best way to get that beach body…in the middle of winter! Because cross country skiing involves the legs and the arms becoming a more toned athlete is nearly certain. In fact, if you’re a trail runner, you may consider this sport for staying toned in the off season. And check out our 10 Cross Training Activities for Trail Runners post for more options.
Because the legs and the arms are being worked simultaneously during cross country skiing, balance becomes important. You will find that the need for balance will require a lot from your core muscles. For this reason, cross country skiing ends up being a wonderful full-body workout.
Abs, arms, and legs are getting a near equal workout, and for this reason you will be working muscles you may have neglected.
Reap the Rewards of Cross Country Skiing
Whether you have been skiing your whole life, or just thinking about getting into the sport, there is no question cross country skiing has a lot of benefits to it.
If staying healthy, happy, and fit during the winter is something you have interest in, don’t hesitate…start looking into sizing and getting some cross country skis to start reaping the rewards the sport has to offer.
About the Author
Todd Alexander
Title Image Credit, 9 Benefits Cross Country Skiing: Yellowstone National Park | (source) | Public Domain Mark 1.0 –reduced file size
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