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Staying Fit
Strap On Some Snowshoes!It’s a fun way to exercise and enjoy the beauty of nature
Showing off her cool treadsSherrell Copeland takes a hike through the “tundra” display at Cabela’s outdoor store in Hamburg. As a member of the Cabela’s team, Copeland knows proper snowshoeing technique and appropriate attire. If you picture oversized tennis rackets when you hear the word “snowshoes,” you’re behind the times. Today, this footwear that allows you to walk on top of snow is stronger, lighter and comes in a variety of styles. And snowshoeing is well-worth a try—it’s an excellent way to exercise in a natural outdoor setting.“Anyone who’s in reasonably good shape can enjoy snowshoeing,” says family physician Laura Dunne, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “Depending on the terrain and pace, it can improve your muscle tone and burn more calories than walking.” Children as young as 5 can snowshoe, as Glenn Kratzer, M.D., knows. The internist at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network began snowshoeing as a boy with his father. “Today, I use my snowshoes to go for quiet walks in the woods, enjoy a family experience, and even get to the hospital in a snowstorm,” he says. If you’re snowshoeing this winter, remember to:Dress right. You’ll need a good pair of insulated hiking boots to strap into the snowshoes and provide ankle support. Wear clothing layers that can be removed easily as you heat up, and pack a spare jacket or sweatshirt in your backpack to prevent a chill when you stop to rest.Notify someone. Let a friend or relative know where you’re going and how long you plan to be gone. Work up gradually. “Stick to flat terrain if you’re a beginner,” Dunne says. “You can use hiking/trekking poles to increase your upper-body workout, and tackle more difficult country as you advance.” Check with your doctor. If you have a health condition or haven’t done any exercise lately, get your doctor’s OK before any type of vigorous activity. Snowshoeing can be more intense than using a treadmill at the gym.
Want to Know More about where to buy or rent snowshoes or about good places to snowshoe locally?
Call 610-402-CARE. This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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