7 reasons & 1 bonus reason Why you should start cross-country skiing now
Body, mind, and soul are positively stimulated, and the entire "system" is sustainably strengthened and activated. Sounds like yoga? Wrong guess: We're talking about cross-country skiing. Cross-country skiing is currently experiencing a boom, and rightly so: More and more health- and sport-conscious people are recognizing what a unique all-round package this sport from the north offers.
Ready for the top arguments? But beware: You'll want to be a cross-country skier immediately!
1. Fitness maker
Cross-country skiing is THE whole-body sport
There's hardly a more effective way to burn calories than with exercise during the cold season. When it's cold, the body automatically increases its thermal output. This costs calories, and the price is lost in excess weight. Thanks to a high heart rate, freezing isn't an issue. Cross-country skiing is considered the ultimate fountain of youth among winter sports: strengthening muscles and joints to such an extent while protecting them to such an extent 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 action
Cross-country skiing is harder than it looks, but easy enough to learn quickly. No fewer than 600 (!) muscles are involved in locomotion, and the entire body is challenged in this top-notch endurance workout. The abdominal and back muscles are moderately stressed, while the arm, glute, and leg muscles are heavily worked. The fluid movement also benefits your joints, and your heart rate improves. Another advantage is the low risk of injury.
3. Healthy for body and mind
Detox for the soul
Gliding through the snowy landscape with fresh, warm air in your lungs, feeling only your breath and heartbeat. This combination is a balm for the stressed soul. Cross-country skiing has not only a physical aspect, but also a spiritual one: It's like meditation on skis.
4. Sexy
Beautiful muscles, good posture & casual fashion
Look like the Michelin Man with a thick down jacket and bobble hat – maybe later at the punch stand! Now it's time to put on your cross-country gear and let's go! Cross-country skiing is a full-body workout, which visually 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 women and men. Besides that, there are also fashion points for current cross-country fashion these days: Close-fitting running pants, topped with stylish shorts and hoodies, are the defining feature of the cross-country trails!
5. Challenge
Komfortzone verlassen
Anyone who thinks cross-country skiing is "boring" hasn't really tried it. Up and down, steep and flat, pushing or floating – modern trails demand a constant change in movement, hence an up and down in physical demands. Cross-country skiing is also technically exciting. Anyone who switches from classic to skating will attest to this.
6. Time-economical
Quickly in the happiness hormone range
Time is money, and because a cross-country skiing session is quick and easy, you save both. It takes barely an hour to complete an optimal cardiovascular and muscle workout. The added value: increased fitness and a whole lot of endorphins. A quick lap with a headlamp after work makes dinner taste twice as good.
7. Live tradition
One of the oldest sports - with a modern interpretation!
Cross-country skiing is anything but a fad. Even prehistoric society used some kind of ski. In the far north, among the Sami, archaeologists discovered 4,000-year-old pinewood ski boards. Their purpose was likely to prevent sinking into the snow while hunting, for example. Even in the "cradle of alpine skiing," cross-country skiing has a long tradition thanks to its advantages. Something that lasts this long must be worthwhile!
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. For decades, only the classic style with parallel ski control, i.e., a diagonal stride with double poles, was permitted in competitions. Since the late 1970s, the free style, or skating, also began to gain ground. In current biathlon competitions, only skating is used.
Bonus reason: Fun with kids
Formative experiences with a learning factor
Being outside together, lapping 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 little ones. The earlier you get involved, the better your chances of internalizing sophisticated technique later on. The family cross-country skiing champion can be crowned with private timekeeping!
