Snowshoe Power!

Simply put, adding snowshoeing to your winter training or wellness regime, even at the expense of one of your core workouts, is the single greatest thing you can do to improve your ability as a runner, Grouse Grinder, biker, hiker, etc.

If you're an athlete, regardless of whether you're recreational level or otherwise, why wouldn't you want to add the one activity that can make you stronger, faster, leaner, better looking, and improve the quality of your life all in one go?

Beginning Wednesday, December 5th, I'm going to be leading a weekly Snowshoe Training Night on the awesome trails up at Grouse Mountain. Each session is free, though you do have to get to the top and that requires a Grouse Mountain Membership (a wicked deal) or a General Admission Ticket. If you don't have snowshoes, they can be rented for $5 per session. Sessions start at 7:00 PM sharp and wrap up by 8:15.

Nervous about trying it out? Don't be. If you can run or walk, you can snowshoe. Still nervous? Come on out to Grouse Mountain's Snowshoe Demonstration Night which will be held on Wednesday, December 12th. There will be four complimentary (with admission) 30 minute "Introduction to Snowshoeing" sessions. This is a great opportunity to find out everything you need to know about snowshoeing in a safe, fun environment.

Details will be posted on www.grousemountain.com soon, however feel free to email me (eric@runthenorthshore.com) if you have any questions.

Here's a great article from the North Country Trail Association that was printed back in 2001 titled "Benefits of Snowshoeing are Limitless"

"Which exercise will burn more calories in one workout-- running, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing? If you said snowshoeing, you were right! Snowshoeing is a cross-training, conditioning sport that offers access to untapped winter environments and is great recreation with family and friends.
Snowshoeing is among a limited number of sports that almost everyone can participate in, no matter their age, fitness level, or expertise. The sport is shedding its backwoods image, becoming the most popular winter recreation and outdoor fitness activity today. A low-impact and safe form of exercise, snowshoeing is ideal for anyone interested in an aerobic workout combined with strength training and muscle endurance. The skills needed to start snowshoeing are very few-- if you can walk, you can snowshoe!

The benefits of snowshoeing are limitless. Today more than 6 million people are trading in their summer shoes for snowshoes, and many of them are summer hikers, walkers, cyclists, climbers, and other sports enthusiasts eager to maintain their conditioning and take advantage of their favorite hiking trails in winter. Whether you're looking to get in shape, maintain your fitness level during those winter months, or just enjoy the beauty of natural terrain and gain a mental connection with the outdoors, snowshoeing is an excellent sport for you and your family.

Snowshoeing is a great form of aerobic exercise that will improve or maintain cardiovascular fitness as well as burn calories. It uses major muscle groups at relatively high intensities for extended periods of time, thus requiring a high caloric expenditure. Your metabolic rate increases in cold weather, and the addition of the weight of snowshoes on your feet combine( with the resistance of moving through snow adds up to a greater demand for energy than simply walking or running. Snowshoeing can burn up to 45 percent more calories than walking or running at the same speed.

Research has shown that individuals who substitute snowshoeing for running during the winter actually improve their running fitness over those who choose running as their primary source of winter training. A study done by the University of Vermont determined that after a six-week training period, the snowshoe group showed a higher fitness level than that of the running group. Another study conducted by Indiana University determined that by adding poles to the workout, the energy costs were higher, resulting in faster speeds and increased potential for energy expenditure. "