Cool Winter Workout for Snowshoe Running

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IMPACT Magazine > Workout > Sport Performance > Cool Winter Workout for Snowshoe Running

Cool Winter Workout for Snowshoe Running

Written by Dave Howells

Photography by Terry Guscott

Snowshoe drills make snowshoeing more enjoyable.

Snowshoeing continues to be the fastest-growing winter activity in North America, and it is easy to see why. The majority of the population can walk, it is very affordable, and, best of all, it's a lot of fun! This season, why not try this great alternative winter workout? Snowshoeing will complement any athlete during the off-season and introduce you to a winter workout wonderland.

The sport of snowshoeing offers a great winter workout for runners, cyclists, and multisport athletes. The activity itself is a power- and strength-based workout, whether you walk, hike, or run. The soft snow surface along with the additional weight on your feet all contribute to increased effort associated with continuous forward movement.

This fall and winter season why not reassess your goals and enjoy a little time away from the rigours of a regular workout program. For most athletes, this is an opportunity to work aspects of an in-season program that are often overlooked. Most athletes understand that using resistance and weight in repetition will result in potential strength and power gains. So how can we take the snowshoe session to the next level?

These five exercises can be performed before, during, or after your snowshoe session. Remember to always perform a short warm-up prior to any exercise.

Degree Lunge

homepageworkout Lunge out at a forty-five-degree angle, keeping arms athletic. Push up and forward, and bring trial leg through for next lunge. Continue forward completing ten lunges in total.

Cool Walks for Warm-up

winterworkout_1 Use opposite arm and leg pattern. As the left heel makes contact with the ground, drive back up with right arm. Repeat this in a smooth motion ten to fifteen steps.

Power Up

winterworkout_3 Begin by standing tall. Lower into squat position, introduce a powerful jump motion, leaving ground and absorbing landing, then reload and repeat six to eight times.

Forward Lunges

winterworkout_2 Lunge forward, bringing left leg and right hand forward. Always centre knee over centre of foot at ninety degrees. Repeat this action ten steps. Remain smooth and in control as you progress forward.

Power Squat

winterworkout_4 Start with legs at shoulder width in athletic position. Begin to lower body, keeping head up and back straight. Continue to straighten and bend legs. Complete eight to ten up-and-down smooth motions.