Our lives today are filled with stress and tension. In addition, most people spend a lot of time sitting, which negatively affects their health. This proves that we should by no means ignore sports, as it is not only good for our physical form but also for our emotional well-being. Popular today are running, gymnastics, stretching, and gym workouts. However, we should not forget about cross-country skiing. It is becoming more and more popular today, as it is a great way to relax and reconnect with nature. In this article, we will tell you about the benefits of cross-country skiing, as well as give you some tips on how to choose skis to make you feel comfortable.

Cross-Country Skiing: How It All Works

First, it is important to note that cross-country skis are designed to travel on flat terrain by utilizing the skier’s energy. There are several categories of cross-country skis, the most popular of which are classic skis, skate skis, and combination skis.

Classic skating style: You push off with the middle part of the ski. During pushing off, the middle part of the ski presses against the snow and clings to it. This is done by means of a pile insert, a special ointment, or a notch.

Skate style of skating. Here, the main pushing force comes from the middle of the toe and the hill of the ski. It is also worth noting that skate skis are much stiffer than classic skis. Keep in mind that if you try to ski in the classic style on a skate ski, you will constantly slip backwards when you try to push off.

Combination skis. This option is suitable for those who can’t decide on their skating style, as they are suitable for both styles. As for the appearance, these skis are more like skate skis, but at the same time, their pads are quite soft and can be pressed down to the snow. It is a great compromise to start with, but once you have decided on the style, it’s better to choose one of the previous options. The thing is that these skis don’t glide very well and have less stability.

Benefits of Cross-Country Skiing

We live in a digital world and spend a lot of time online. This applies not only to work, but also to leisure time. For example, many people choose online casino games or California online sports betting as a good option to distract themselves and get new emotions. Today, there are many bookmakers that provide a huge selection of sports on which you can bet. However, don’t forget that in the offline world, there are also many options for distraction, and a good choice is to find a balance between online and offline activities.

Cross-country skiing is a great option for winter, when the choice of outdoor activities is much more limited than in summer. Don’t forget that spending time outdoors in winter is very good for your health. First of all, it is an accessible sport that has no age restrictions. But that’s where the benefits only begin, and we will reveal much more below.

No shock to the body. Compared to jogging or even walking, cross-country skiing puts much less stress on the knee and hip joints, which also has a positive effect on the spine.

A great option for an active outdoor activity alone or with your family. If you were planning to spend your free time with your family this weekend, it is time to combine the pleasant with the useful. For example, you can go cross-country skiing in the forest. It will be not only a pleasant physical activity but also a breath of fresh air in both a literal and figurative sense.

High-quality workout of all muscle groups. Cross-country skiing can replace a full-fledged leg workout in the gym. It involves the gluteus maximus, posterior thigh, quadriceps, calf muscles, and even the foot muscles. In addition, the muscles of the shoulder girdle, arms, abdomen, chest, and back are put to work together.

It has positive effects on the body’s overall performance. These include normalizing blood pressure, improving respiratory and cardiovascular function, strengthening immunity, and increasing metabolism.

How to Choose a Cross-Country Ski: All You Need to Know

The right cross-country skis are the key to a successful skiing experience. It is worth noting that almost all modern models are made of plastic, synthetic, and composite materials with the use of carbon fiber.

There are three main aspects to consider when choosing a cross-country ski: height, weight, and preferred style of skiing. If you are going to buy classic cross-country skis, you should add 20-30 cm to your height, and this will be the ideal length of your skis. In the case of skate skis, you will need to add 10-15 cm.

In addition to the skis themselves, you should also pay attention to the choice of thermal clothing which will provide you with comfort and sufficient warmth.

Final Thoughts

Cross-country skiing is a great sport for absolutely everyone, even those who have spent their whole lives thinking that it is not for them. Just try it, and it will definitely become your new hobby. It is a great option for improving your shape, hardening yourself, and relaxing both physically and mentally.