Your ski vacation can provide plenty of fantastic health benefits, including weight loss, muscular fitness and even relief from seasonal affective disorder or SAD.
The trick to skiing is, of course, to keep yourself balanced on a slippery slope. Engaging your stomach muscles this way boosts core stability and compresses the lower abdomen (which means a flatter tummy). Plus, it promotes overall flexibility and coordination. Your leg muscles will also thank you: The general stance of a skier is a slight crouch which strengthens the large quadriceps and glute muscle groups.
Hitting the slopes is also a fantastic cardiovascular workout. It elevates your heart rate which promotes blood circulation and brings more nutrients and oxygen to your tissues. The immersive experience of skiing also boosts endorphins and adrenaline, providing an overall feeling of wellness.
Most experts agree that an average day on the slopes burns serious calories, up to 3000, far more than an average gym session. Cold temperatures also force your body to raise its own temperature, burning even more calories.
