Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let’s Go!
Cold weather is no excuse not to get some exercise outside. In fact, Colorado is full of winter activities besides skiing you can’t get in other parts of the country. So time to bundle up, zip up and get on out there.
First up there’s snowshoeing, which can burn up to 500 calories an hour.1 And it’s a great exercise to do at your own pace and intensity. “You’ll also tone your leg muscles and condition yourself for running,” according to WebMD.
Looking to throw a bit of whimsy into your workout? Nothing is more fun then an afternoon of sledding. Grab your kids or some friends and find a hill to work your quads and calves. Plus you’ll burn up to 240 calories in 30 minutes.
The fun doesn’t have to end there though. Now you have the opportunity to do some outdoor ice skating downtown at Acacia Park!2 Get your legs moving and you could burn up to 500 calories an hour.3 Just be sure to be careful…that ice hurts if you fall.
Or if you really want to feel like you’re getting a workout, try shoveling the next time there’s a decent snowfall. In fact, find an elderly neighbor and shovel their walkway as well. You’ll not only burn calories but you’ll earn some karma points as well. According to LiveStrong, shoveling snow burns about 200 calories every 30 minutes. Just be sure to bend at your knees or you could strain your back.
Last but not least, if there is enough snow on the ground, build a snowman! Grab your family, friends and even your neighbors and make it a competition. Maybe throw in a snowball fight or two. All the exertion can burn around 350 calories in about an hour.4
Resources:
1 http://www.courant.com/health/hc-winter-activities-burn-calories,0,3968366.photogallery
3 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/SM00109
4 http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/6-ways-you-can-burn-calories-this-winter.html#b