It’s ski season and here at Massage Therapy of Boston we are buzzing to get out on the hills! As you prepare for getting out into nature to chase the thrill of the sport, here are some of the ways skiing is excellent for your body and mind.
STRENGTHENS LEGS AND CORE
The core abdominal muscles, gluteus maximus, quadriceps and hamstrings are the main muscles engaged whilst skiing. Your core abdominal muscles stabilize your body and help with balance. The group of leg muscles work together to support movement, flexing and extending. Your foot and ankle muscles activate for turning and maneuvering. Doing activities such as tennis or badminton engage similar muscle groups and can help you to both prepare and maintain your strength in-between seasons. Lunges, balancing moves, planking and stamina improving fitness can also improve your skiing abilities.
IMPROVES COORDINATION AND AGILITY
Gliding down snow covered hills, maneuvering trees, skiers and other obstacles requires coordination. Being able to course correct requires quick thinking and agility. Skiing leads to high capabilities and confidence in these areas. To prepare for the season, seek out coordination improving actives such as dancing and yoga.
NATURE HEALS
Humans have the tendency to mirror their environments. A setting filled with an unpleasant stressor can lend itself to an uneasy or anxious feeling. What you are experiencing at any given time is impacting you. A pleasant environment can reverse any negative effects of a regular routine and can aid to reset your mind. Your blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and immune system can all benefit from spending time out in nature, so soak in the Vitamin D and enjoy your beautiful surroundings!
IT’S A HIGH CALORIE BURNING ACTIVITY
Downhill skiing is a wonderful cardio exercise. It burns fat by burning hundreds of calories per hour, stimulating ones metabolism.
Don’t forget that skiing can overexert your body and it is important to treat it with care.
Don’t underestimate the importance of a healthy breakfast, staying fueled and hydrated throughout the day, and taking time to stretch before and after activity is very important.
After properly hydrating post activity, a trip to the hot tub after a long day of skiing will help to soothe your body and relax your mind by increasing blood flow and allowing more oxygen into your muscles.
Massage Therapy of Boston is here to help you make the most of your skiing holiday! Book an appointment when you return from your trip and we can support you by providing relief to your achy quads, calves and hips while helping to get range of motion back to those ankles. CLICK HERE book an appointment today!