So this is the list of stuff to do on holiday – check out the slopes, have a swim, visit the beach (if it’s summer), try snowboarding or snorkeling (if it’s winter), take a hike, buy some sun cream or lotion or go for a walk in the fresh air. In other words, if it’s winter, check out the slopes and then after that if it’s summer go for a walk in the fresh air. Don’t forget to put your sunscreen on. And you must remember to bring your camera, as this is going to be a memory that you will always hold dear. I am sure that by now, you realize that all of these are activities that require getting out of the house and doing something different than what you are used to.
So if you want to really enjoy yourself and really challenge yourself to gain a new level of physical fitness while you are on holiday, then there are two activities that you can do whilst snowboarding or skiing. One activity is called snow boarding or sledging and can be done in a variety of locations. It involves putting your boots on skis, and then using your hands to grip the side of the boot and pull yourself forward, and if that isn’t challenging enough, you can even use your body weight to propel yourself forward! If you are lucky enough to be in a group that includes other snowboarders, the challenge is increased even more as you can all pull and tuck in your belly to balance yourselves. This is also an activity that can benefit your health, as you will be adding resistance to your body, helping it to burn extra calories and build up more muscle, helping you lose weight and improve your strength.
The second thing that you can do is actually get onto a snowboard or snow ski and enjoy yourself. You don’t necessarily need to have a partner to snowboard down a hill, but you do need to wear a snowboard helmet (and a proper pair of snowshoes) and if you are going off-piste, a snowboard, and snowshoes are absolutely mandatory. If you have any doubt about whether or not you are fit to participate, you should consult with a Physiotherapist who can advise you on the best form to take, as well as which equipment is suitable for you. Remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear protective shorts, but remember that they must be flame resistant to prevent damage to you and to others.