Health Benefits of Skiing
and Snowboarding

   SACRAMENTO, Calif. - (10/25/07) Skiing and snowboarding are often compared to running, swimming, biking, skating, surfing, wakeboarding, etc… as a cardiovascular workout.  It is a form of aerobic exercise exerting physical effort utilizing a lot of oxygen to keep moving creating health benefits that are very similar to any other physical exercise. The advantage about snow skiing and snowboarding is one usually goes beyond the 20 minutes which is the average of most exercises and do so in a lovely natural environment.
     Skiing and snowboarding improves one’s circulatory system increasing alertness allowing us to respond or perform duties with minimal effort.  The increase of blood flow benefits our body’s tissues and organs greatly improving their circulatory functions. This can prevent one from succumbing to certain coronary or circulatory diseases such as stroke or high blood pressure.
     Skiing and snowboarding as an aerobic exercise can help reduce the risk of developing some cancers, including breast, colon, prostate and endometrial cancer.
     Skiing and snowboarding can help regulate the HDL or good cholesterol in the body. This allows the body to get rid of LDL or bad cholesterol since skiing and snowboarding burn fat and therefore help in the control of one’s weight.
      Skiing and snowboarding as an aerobic exercise helps control your weight, reducing the likelihood of being overweight or obese, conditions that can lead to type 2 diabetes.
     Reducing blood fats through the aerobic benefits of skiing and snowboarding results in less build-up of plaques in the arteries, reducing such deposits of plaques in blood vessels in the brain can minimize the risk of strokes.
     Warding off viral illnesses through skiing and snowboarding’s aerobic exercise benefits help activate the immune system to fight off infection.  People who exercise regularly are less susceptible to minor viral illnesses, such as colds and flu.
     Skiing and snowboarding helps one to stay in good condition and delay the symptoms of natural aging such as the decrease in physical resistance and muscular mass, flexibility, slower metabolism and especially loss of balance.
     Skiing and snowboarding especially for children can bring out self-esteem and confidence allowing them to better interact with others and to better meet life’s challenges.  For adults, skiing and snowboarding is a way to recharge ourselves to face the pressures of life.
     Before beginning any sport it is a good idea to check first with the physician to make sure it is safe to do so. Lessons are a must for both beginners as well as for those who already ski and snowboard. Lessons are a great way to condition and prepare for the sport.  Skiing and snowboarding properly prevents and minimizes injuries and will endow people with greater fun, trills and enjoyment.
     A tremendous way to get into the sport or for those who want to condition, practice and improve their skiing and snowboarding (and who doesn’t, the pros practice as often as they can) is on an Endless Slope a revolving ski deck at SnoZone ski and snowboard school located indoors in Sacramento and San Francisco.  You can find more information on how you can ski or snowboard in Sacramento or in San Francisco at www.endlesslope.com.
     Ski and snowboard for your health.  To do so: prepare, condition and do it safely! Enjoy the winter!