Seniors, as most others, look forward to cold weather with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. If sitting in front of the fireplace all winter long isn’t your cup of tea, think about learning how to do something fun.
Physical activities like skating, skiing and snow shoeing can make winter a lot more bearable and you can indulge in a cup of hot cocoa, Irish Coffee or a Hot Toddy afterwards if you think you’ve earned it.
Snow shoeing is so much fun that people of all ages are doing it for fitness, recreation or for sheer pleasure. It you like you can take a little class at the neighborhood recreation center but no special skill set is required. It takes all of 5 minutes to master how to fit a pair of snow shoes to you feet, and how to put one foot in front of the other without tripping over your own feet.
All you need is the urge for some outdoor exercise, warm clothes, decent hiking boots and a pair of lightweight snow shoes. New snow shoes are smaller than the original models and are surprisingly easy to maneuver. Built in crampons (claws) provide excellent traction in icy or steep conditions. So whether you just want to take your camera and do a gently walk in the park or scale a hiking trail is up to you.
Because snow shoeing is the winter equivalent of hiking it can be as aerobic as you want to make it. The faster you go or the steeper the trail the more intense the workout. If you use poles you get a total body workout that is still low impact (snow provides a soft gentle landing with each step and if you fall over you are more apt to giggle than cry out in pain.)
People of all ages take to the trails. If you are older and are still looking for a high powered workout take extra precautions:
Avoid frostbite by protecting exposed areas with appropriate clothing. Keep your feet warm with proper socks and waterproof boots. Protect hands with mittens and cover head, face and ears with a hat or scarf.
Avoid hypothermia by dressing and layers (a recreational sporting goods store will tell you about the latest and best clothing to insulate your body and keep your warm).
Older people with heart disease need to be aware that exercising in cold weather puts extra stress on the heart. You can enjoy the out of doors snow walking and leave the difficult trails to younger folks.
Talk to your doctor if you are worried about asthma attacks, dehydration or muscle injuries. Pace yourself and have the time of your life. Take proper precaution to make time spent outdoors safe and enjoyable.
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