7 reasons & 1 bonus reason Why you should start cross-country skiing now
Body, mind and soul are positively stimulated, the whole "system" is sustainably strengthened and activated. Sounds like yoga? Wrong: we're talking about cross-country skiing. Cross-country skiing is currently experiencing a boom, and rightly so: more and more health- and sports-conscious people are realizing what a unique all-round package this sport from the north offers.
Ready for the top arguments? But beware: you will
want to be a cross-country skier right away!
1. fit maker
Cross-country skiing is THE full-body sport
You can hardly burn calories more effectively than with exercise in the cold season. When it's cold, the body automatically increases its heating capacity. This costs calories and is paid for in extra pounds. Thanks to the high pulse rate, freezing is not an issue. Among winter sports, cross-country skiing is considered the fountain of youth par excellence: strengthening muscles and joints in such a way and protecting them in such a way through one and the same sport is unique! In short: cross-country skiing is the ideal endurance training in winter.
2. healthy for the body
600 muscles in use
Cross-country skiing is harder than it looks, but easy enough to learn quickly. No fewer than 600 (!) muscles are involved in the movement and the whole body is challenged in this top-class endurance training. The abdominal and back muscles are used moderately, while the arm, buttock and leg muscles are used heavily. The fluid movement also benefits the joints and keeps the heart pumping healthily. Another advantage is the low risk of injury.
3. healthy for the mind
Detox for the soul
Glide through the snow-covered landscape with fresh air in your lungs, feeling only your breath and your heartbeat. This combination is balm for the stressed soul. Cross-country skiing not only has a physical aspect, but also a spiritual one: It's like meditation on skis.
4. sexy
Beautiful muscles, good posture & casual fashion
Look like a Michelin man in a thick down jacket and bobble hat - maybe later at the punch stand! Now it's time to get into your cross-country gear and off you go! Cross-country skiing is a full-body workout that benefits the legs and buttocks in particular. Defined, lean muscles characterize the appearance of hard-working cross-country skiers. According to Austria's figurehead of Nordic sports, Alois Stadlober, regular training also ensures better posture and a graceful gait - for both men and women. Apart from that, there are also fashion points for the latest cross-country fashion these days : fitted running trousers, stylish shorts and hoodies characterize the cross-country skiing scene!
5th Challenge
Leaving the comfort zone
Anyone who thinks cross-country skiing is "boring" hasn't really tried it. Up and down, steep and flat, pushing or floating - modern cross-country trails demand a constant change of movement, i.e. an up and down of physical demands. Cross-country skiing is also technically exciting. Anyone who switches from classic style to skating will testify to this.
6. zeintökonomisch
Quickly in the happiness hormone range
Time is money, and because a cross-country skiing session is quick and easy to complete, you save both. It takes barely an hour to complete an optimal cardiovascular and muscle workout. The added value: an increase in fitness and lots of endorphins. A quick run with a headlamp after work and dinner tastes twice as good afterwards.
7. living tradition
One of the oldest sports - interpreted in a modern way!
Cross-country skiing is anything but a fad. Prehistoric society was already on skis of some kind. In the far north among the Saami, archaeologists discovered 4000-year-old pinewood gliding boards. Their purpose was probably to prevent sinking into the snow when hunting, for example. Thanks to its advantages, cross-country skiing also has a long tradition in the "cradle of alpine skiing". What has lasted so long must make sense!
The sport is particularly popular in Scandinavia and the Alpine region, but also in Eastern Europe and some Asian countries. It has been an Olympic sport since 1924, and for decades only the classic style with parallel ski guidance, i.e. diagonal stride with double pole use, was permitted in competitions. Since the late 1970s , the free style or skating, i.e. the skate stride, began to gain acceptance. In current biathlon competitions, only skating is used.
Bonus reason: Fun with children
Formative experiences with a learning factor
Being outdoors together, doing laps together, experiencing the flow together: cross-country skiing brings people together. Cross-country skiing is also a wonderful experience with children. The movements are intuitive and easy to learn, even for the little ones. The earlier you come into contact with it, the better the chances of internalizing sophisticated technique later on. The family cross-country champion can be crowned at the private timekeeping!
