Winter. It’s something that happens every year. In some places, it’s quite a bit different than the rest of the year. We can definitely say that in these parts. Vermont winters are lovely just like the rest of the year. But we tend to have a lot of that white stuff around. And it lasts for a long time, making it important to get out in it. Otherwise, cabin fever sets in waaay before the season is over.
So how do you enjoy the outdoors in winter if you’re not too keen on skiing (or as my husband describes it, a semi-controlled slide down a steep icy surface) or skating (I’ve never been attracted to the idea of falling on ice)? Try snowshoeing! I doubt it will ever make it as a winter Olympics sport for this reason: If you can walk, you can do it.
We’ve had a gorgeous snowfall this week that meant fun outdoors for the women at Green Mountain. With our beautiful surroundings, we try to get our participants outside as much as possible to experience the joy of recreational fitness, e.g., moving naturally while having fun. Our goal is to help them reconnect with the pleasure of moving their bodies, to become intrinsically motivated to move. ‘Cuz that means we’ll keep doing it, which spells success for reaching health and healthy weight goals.
Getting outside at Green Mountain in the winter means a lot of snowshoeing because there’s no learning curve. Just about everyone becomes a big fan of it.
There’s been a lot of snow south of us this year, too. So if you can’t make it to Green Mountain for snowshoeing, you may have enough around you to enjoy. Here’s a great primer from REI on snowshoeing that can help get you started.
Have you ever tried snowshoeing? If so, what do you think?
7 Responses (Add Yours)
thank you so much for your blog…
i’ve never tried snowshoeing, but i want to so bad.
just started a blog of my own. yours will be a source of inspiration for me!
.-= olivia’s last blog post..can’t wait for these skinny jeans to fit better =-.
I went snowshoeing when I lived in France….and it was surprisingly fun! Always great to try NEW things to shake it up and not get bored.
I also love the Green Mountain approach of recreational fitness — I’m all for that too! It’s about moving your body in a fun way, because if it’s not fun, you won’t keep doing over the long term.
It’s always important, especially during the winters (I’m in Boston so we get lots of snow too!) to get outside and make it fun! It’s too easy to stay inside and get the winter blues. So I always make it a point to get outside and embrace the weather — not fight it. And my body (AND mind) are all the better for it :)
.-= Dinneen @ Eat Without Guilt’s last blog post..When Food Becomes the Enemy =-.
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by ichange: Learning to Love Winter: Break Out the Snowshoes! http://bit.ly/bKy5Uy…
i would love to try it, as i’m always up for a new workout, but i wouldn’t know where to go nearby…
.-= love2eatinpa’s last blog post..Guest Blolggin’ at We Are The Real Deal =-.
I love snowshoeing! It’s such a great feeling to climb up a steep hillside (which is much easier in deep snow wearing snowshoes than in hiking boots in the summer) and get to see vistas that are otherwise impossible to view. Plus if you run in a big pair of them, it makes you feel a little silly and foolish, like you’re wearing clown shoes. Love it.
Lovetoeatinpa…I assumed you’re from Pennsy, and did a little research. Check these out:
http://xcskiresorts.com/xcwvWestVA.html
http://www.trails.com/advancedfind.aspx?keyword=snowshoeing&state=PA
I went snowshoeing once in Jackson Hole. It was a lot of fun and definitely a challenge!
.-= Nutritioulicious’s last blog post..National Eating Disorders Awareness Week =-.
Thanks to everyone for their comments. Just got back from a conference last night — with a cold — so haven’t made it outside to enjoy this great snow yet. But it’s on my to do list. Can’t wait to put on those clown shoes again! :)
Good luck with the blog, Olivia. I love blogging.
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