The benefits of walking with snowshoes

Despite the stationary lifts, mountain lovers have certainly not been watching during this snowy winter. Whoever hasn’t put sealskins under their skis has worn the snowshoes to explore and enjoy that sense of fullness that snowy landscapes can convey.

Snowshoes are indispensable for floating on the snow, in some circumstances even great mountaineers use them during their challenges on the 8000m peaks in the Himalayas, they are increasingly lighter, smaller and equipped with articulated bindings that facilitate progression.

No particular technical skills are required for snowshoeing and it is precisely for this reason that this year another world has opened up for many weekend skiers: quieter, no less tiring, and much more intimate.

MORE TONIC WITH SNOWSHOES

Walking with snowshoes is the winter version of trekking but the muscular effort required is at least 30% more. The resistance of the snow and the different pitch increase the toning of legs and buttocks in addition to resistance work. According to a study by the University of Vermont, snowshoeing is consumed by 450 to 1000 calories per hour. An even more effective fat burning workout due to the low temperatures that force the body to burn more to maintain constant heat. It is a fun effort and with a very affordable cost (a pair of snowshoes are around 100/150 euros).

Varied terrain and snow depths, long climbs, steep descents and side-sloping traverses require you to engage every part of your body, including your core muscles to maintain balance, but with a low impact on your bone and joint structures. . The use of the main muscle groups, combined with a higher metabolic rate due to the cold season, and the greater resistance of movement on the snow, results in a much more intense energy activity than trekking.

CIASPOLARE WHAT YOU NEED
Snowshoes have universal adjustable bindings that go well with any boot, preferably with a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. It is also recommended to wear gaiters, to make sure you stay dry at the ankle level. As far as technical clothing is concerned, the ideal is to dress in layers with base layer, mid layer and shell jacket to manage the different uphill and downhill needs. Thanks to the resistant and very light technical materials, the extras to keep in the backpack will not be felt on the shoulders.

SNOWSHOES THE BENEFITS
They tone up and are a great cardiovascular workout, but the benefits of snowshoe walking are mostly mental. Walking immersed in fairytale landscapes, with only the muffled sound of the snow, stimulates the imagination and peace with oneself. Going with snowshoes means enjoying the benefits of forest therapy, the free and contemplative frequentation of the woods that generates natural relaxation and has a positive effect on the immune system.

Going slow and progressive is a mindfulness activity, which allows you to increase your awareness and the sense of acceptance and wonder for what surrounds us. Snowshoeing stimulates the production of endorphins for an injection of happiness and wholeness.

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