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Winter is approaching and you may be feeling sluggish at the mere thought of dark afternoons and rain-filled weekends, so why not banish the winter blues and combine getting fit and having fun by indulging in one of the fantastic luxury ski holidays on offer?
Skiing is great fun but it also burns a lot of calories, which means you are well within your rights to curl up in one of the snug ski chalets with a rich mug of hot chocolate at the end of a busy day on the slopes.
Your perfect ski holiday
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A Crystal Ski holiday could be just what you need to stave off the blues and motivate you to keep fit through the winter months. Skiing holidays are renowned for being fun both on and off the slopes, but it is easy to underestimate the physical demands of skiing and snowboarding. Far from being a jolly jaunt down a mountain, skiing is an intensive form of exercise, which works almost every muscle in the body and pro skiers, such as Graham Bell, a former Olympian, encourage skiers to get in shape before hitting the slopes.
Preparation is key for most physical activities, it helps to reduce the risk of injury and also enhances your enjoyment; you won’t have many fond memories of your trip if you spend your time red-faced and puffing, bent double over a fence while your friends are merrily gliding on without you.
Skiing provides a rigorous cardiovascular workout, so it may be worth stepping up your exercise regime before you go; ideally, you should start around eight weeks before you jet off, but even a couple of weeks of working out will make a difference when you hit the slopes. Good examples of cardiovascular exercises include cycling, swimming, running and rowing.
Exercise will help you to build your general level of fitness, but it is also associated with other health benefits, including a reduced risk of depression and increased confidence and self-esteem.
According to research carried out by the Mental Health Foundation, shaping up your body will help to get your mind in good shape and prepare you to tackle the gloomy winter months. Exercising outside is doubly rewarding, as you will increase your light exposure, as well as releasing endorphins, which help to lift your mood. Studies by mental health charity, MIND, show that even a short walk in the outdoors can help to lift spirits.
Tips for getting fit
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Exercise is important for good general health but you don’t need to spend hours in the gym to reap the rewards; going to a dance class, walking up a mountain or canoeing down a river will all help to boost your fitness and you may find that you are having too much fun to even notice that you’ve built up a sweat. You should try to exercise for at least 30 minutes five times per week to maintain a good level of fitness.
With chances of another Indian summer rapidly slipping away, you may be feeling a little down and the idea of jetting away on a ski holiday may be just the ticket to keep gloomy thoughts at bay. Skiing is great fun, as well as being an amazing workout and the crystal clear air and pristine white slopes could be the perfect solution for those winter blues. If you’re looking to combine getting fit with an amazing wintry adventure, book your trip now.
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Tags: skiing, snowboarding, winter sports