If You Can Walk, You Can Snowshoe!

January 03, 2012

My commitment to stay active in the winter is always challenging, especially when we get as much snow as we have the last couple of years. I try to take a walk every day, no matter what the weather brings. Last year, I found myself trudging through knee deep snow drifts and couldn't go as far or as fast as I was accustomed.

This year, I'm ready for the snow! Bring it on! (Not really. I actually don't like it all that much, but I am ready!) I recently visited the Montana Mountains and was introduced to snowshoeing. It was one of the most enjoyable things I've done, especially while burning over 400 calories per hour! Imagine strapping on a pair of snowshoes for the first time and setting off up a mountain trail. The air is crisp and clean, and the snow makes everything so quiet. It's magical! It's hard to describe just how enjoyable it is unless you have experienced it.

Snowshoeing is a great aerobic sport that nearly everybody can enjoy, no matter their age. It's as simple as walking! You just strap on the snowshoes, and you are ready to go. It's amazing how easy it is to travel through the snow when you can walk on top of it instead of sinking in it. It's the fastest growing winter sport, and it's easy to see why. It requires minimal equipment (just a pair of snowshoes and maybe some trekking poles) and some warm winter clothes. It's a great way to stay active in the winter.

I'm ready! I have my snowshoes waiting for the first big snow. In reality, I figure that since I bought the snowshoes, it's kind of an insurance policy...we probably won't get any snow at all this year, and I'm okay with that, too! To learn more about snowshoeing, check out the book The Snowshoe Experience: Gear Up & Discover the Wonders of Winter on Snowshoes by Claire Walter. Get out and be active this winter! You'll have a great time.

Tracy W.
Smithville Branch