FitSugar

Too Snowy to Run Outside? Run in Snowshoes

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:00:00 PST

Now that it's March most of us want to start thinking about Spring and warmer temps, but many of us are still covered in snow. If you're looking at a few more weeks of wintry weather, and the trails you want to run on are too powdery for sneakers with Yaktrak, then you might want to check out a pair of racing snowshoes. This pair made by Redfeather (on sale for $220), can be worn with your comfy running shoes or lightweight hiking boots. The titanium crampons underneath help you grip through snow and ice, and the lightweight aluminum frame helps you to stay on top of the snowy surface without sinking down. Racing snowshoes are narrower than regular snowshoes, so they allow you to keep your natural running stride.

If Spring feels miles away and you can't bare to be chained to a treadmill, running snowshoes will allow you to safely keep up your pace and endurance while enjoying the fresh air and challenging terrain outside. If you've never even considered running in snow, you may want to give it a try. Walking in the snow for 30 minutes burns 300 calories, but running in it for the same amount of time burns at least 500.

Get in Gear: Atlas Snowshoes Are Meant For Winter Hiking

FitSugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 02:30:00 PST

What is not to love about snowshoeing? It is Winter hiking at its best since you can tromp around anywhere that's covered in snow, tackle steep hills, and get your heart rate zooming even though it's cold outside.

I happen to be a fan of the Elektra 12 Series by Atlas since they were designed especially for Winter hiking. The Wrapp Pro Bindings mold to and support each foot. Stepping into the bindings, you feel the Spring-Loaded Suspension that connects your foot to the snowshoe with elastic-like straps. This suspension gives your feet the ability to move up and down more naturally, which increases your control as well as your comfort.

The aluminum frame is super light yet durable. But the best part is what's under these snowshoes – the stainless steel crampons. These teeth like prongs allow you to dig into ice and snow allowing you to go both uphill and down without slipping.

These snowshoes are available at GearZone.com for $195. The price might seem like a lot, but you will have these snowshoes for life. To see a close up of the crampons and bindings, click the photos below.

View 3 Photos ›

Tips on Choosing Snowshoes

FitSugar — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 13:30:00 PST

If hiking is your favorite Summer pastime then you're going to love snowshoeing in the Winter. Hiking on snow-covered trails is incredibly peaceful, but requires more than just boots for footwear. Snowshoes slip over your boots and allow you to step on top of the snow, even when it's more than a foot deep. They have grippers on the bottom, and some even have metal spikes on the toes (called crampons), that allow you to dig into snow and ice and get up steeper trails.

Before buying a pair, it's a great idea to rent snowshoes first. Check out the activity before investing in the gear. If you love to snowshoe buying a pair will not only save you money in the long run, but also you'll be motivated to go if you own your own pair.

Here are some tips on choosing snowshoes:

Know that they can be pretty expensive, ranging in price from $100 to $250.
Deciding what kind to buy depends on where you'll be tromping. You can get snowshoes for easy and flat trails, steep and icy inclines, back country, and ones to run in.
Snowshoes are also made with different materials. Most are made with light-weight aluminum, but you can also get traditional ones made out of wood and rawhide.

To see the other tips

There are also different bindings. Some are made with durable fabric straps that adjust easily to any boot size. You can also find bindings made out of plastic, that mold to your toes and heels for even more of a custom fit. Some have buckles and some have cinches for easy entrance and exit. The easier they are to get on and off, the more expensive they'll be.
Snowshoe size is based on your total weight (you and your gear).
Whatever snowshoes you choose, make sure you have really supportive, warm boots to wear with them. Bring those boots to the store and try on all types of snowshoes so you can get a feel for what you like.
Some popular brands to choose from are Tubbs and Atlas.

Snowshoeing is one of the best cardio workouts I've ever done. All that snow makes for great resistance, kind of like when you walk in waist-deep water. You're guaranteed to get an awesome lower-body workout and nothing beats the beauty of walking in a world covered in snow. Source

Picking Out Snowshoes

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 03:00:00 PST

If you've ever rented a pair of snowshoes, you'll probably agree that it was really fun and fairly easy to get started.

But you can't rent forever. Here are some tips when buying your own snowshoes:

Know that they can be pretty expensive, depending on what you want. They range in price from $100 - $250.
Deciding what kind to buy depends on where you'll be tromping. You can get snowshoes for easy flat trails, steep and icy inclines, backcountry, and ones to run in.

Snowshoes are also made with different materials. Most are made with light-weight aluminum, but you can also get traditional ones made out of wood and rawhide.
There are also different bindings. There are ones that are made with durable fabric straps that adjust easily to any boot size. There are also bindings made out of plastic, that mold to your toes and heel for even more of a custom fit. Some have buckles and some have cinches for easy entrance and exit.
Snowshoe size is based on your total weight (you and your stuff).
Whatever snowshoes you choose, make sure you have really supportive and warm boots to wear with them. Bring those boots to the store and try on all types of snowshoes so you can get a feel for what you like.

I'm a big fan of Tubbs, so you might want to check those out. They'll even help you choose the right snowshoe for your needs.

You can look at their models online and then visit a dealer near you to try them on.

You'll be happy once you have your own pair, so you'll be ready to go snowshoeing as soon as the snow falls.

If You Can Walk, You Can Snowshoe

FitSugar — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 03:30:00 PST

What better way to spend a morning with your favorite person than walking through the woods on a beautiful, crisp and clear day. If you love to hike in the Summer, you've got to try snowshoeing in the Winter.

If there's snow on the ground, snowshoes make it much easier to tromp around. Many gear stores that sell or rent skiis and snowboards also rent snowshoes. Go the day before to rents shoes and poles and ask about some great beginner trails.

What is so great about snowshoeing? It's easy to learn, inexpensive (compared to other winter sports), and it's like walking, so there's little risk for injury. Plus, it's a great cardiovascular work out - snowshoeing for 1 hour burns over 600 calories.

You've got the shoes and poles, but what about the rest of your body? What else do you need?

read more Before you head out the door, make sure you're dressed for the weather.

Layer up with a Polypro or Wool baselayer, a fleece, and a waterproof down coat over it.
On the bottom, wear a baselayer underneath snowpants.
Make sure you have warm socks on and waterproof winter boots.
Don't forget your warm hat and waterproof mittens too.

Fit's Tips: If you're really into snowshoeing, check out the Tubbs 2007 Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer. It's a benefit that involves snowshoeing walks, races, and free demos and prizes. It's a great way to raise money (and awareness) for breast cancer research, education, and treatment.

Winter Running Woe: Numb Toes

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:02:06 PST

If you'd rather skip a run than hit the treadmill, then there's no doubt you're continuing with your outdoor runs even through this brisk and snowy Winter weather. That doesn't mean you're not dealing with some discomfort along the way. I've given you some tips on how to beat burning lungs, but if it's your feet that are bothering you, here are some ways to avoid numb toes.

First, consider your socks. You can't get away with wearing the same thin, ankle-length wicking socks you sported in the warmer months. Splurge on some thicker knee-highs; socks made of wool will keep your feet warm and dry. Be sure your socks aren't too tight as that can cut off circulation (go up a size to be sure). You can also try compression socks to improve circulation in your feet and legs.

If you're already wearing thicker socks, you'll probably want to go up half a size in your sneaks to accommodate the extra fabric. If you don't, the snug fit of your shoe might be the sole cause of your tingling feeling. Choose sneakers designed for colder, wetter weather (think waterproof Gore-tex) to protect your toes from the snow. Tie your shoes slightly looser because as you warm up, your feet will swell, and too-tight laces can cause that annoying numb sensation.

Continue reading for more tips on avoiding numb feet.

Sugar Shout Out: January Must Haves!

Katie Henry — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:55:59 PST

10 Winter Ways to Work Off a Hot Chocolate

Jenny Sugar — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 22:50:47 PST

'Tis the season for warming up with a steamy beverage. Hot chocolate is one of my favorites because it's so rich, creamy, and sweet. An eight-ounce hot chocolate made with whole milk and topped with whipped cream contains 230 calories. If you're worried about what that cup of chocolaty goodness will do to your waistline, here are some wintry ways to work it off.

*All calculations are based on a 130-pound woman.

Hit the slopes and downhill ski for 43 minutes.
If you're into riding instead, 43 minutes of snowboarding will burn 232 calories.
Spend 32 minutes snowshoeing.
Lace up your skates and ice skate for 37 minutes.
If you prefer ice hockey instead, play for 32 minutes.

Keep reading to learn other ways to work off that hot chocolate.

Cross-Country Skiing Tips For Newbies

Jenny Sugar — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 22:51:18 PST

Downhill skiing is a blast, but if you're not in the mood to race against frigid winds or deal with crazy crowded lift lines, try cross-country skiing this Winter. It may not be speedy, but cross-country skiing will tone your upper and lower body, give you a great cardio workout, and burn almost 500 calories in one hour!

Like snowshoeing, cross-country is more social than downhill skiing since conversations aren't limited to just time riding the lift. You get to slush along snow-covered trails and gab while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Plus, there is no expensive lift ticket needed. Some find cross-country more comfortable than downhill skiing because the boots are more flexible and the skis lightweight. Ready to get started? Here are some tips for newbies.

First, find some cross-country trails. Some downhill-ski resorts have groomed trails, but also check out nature centers or parks where you hike in the Summer. You might have to pay a fee (around $15 to $30) to use the grounds. Don't be shy about asking the staff to point you toward the easier trails.
Rent boots, skis, and poles at the place where you're skiing, but if this isn't possible, rent equipment the day before from a gear store; rentals are about $15 a day.
Definitely head out with someone who has some cross-country skiing experience or take a lesson to learn the basic techniques for moving, slowing down, stopping, and getting up hills.

Keep reading for more beginner cross-country ski tips.

Fact or Fiction: Working Out in the Cold Burns More Calories

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:25:45 PST

You may have heard that exercising in the cold burns more calories than exercising in moderate temps, but is this a fact or myth? It's sensible to assume that the effort it takes to warm up your body burns more calories, but it's not as simple as that. Keep reading to find out how exercising in the cold affects calorie burn.

Shivering does burn calories - that involuntary tensing of muscles to warm the body burns about 200 for every 30 minutes. So if you're not wearing enough layers and you're cold while working out in low temps, your body burns more calories to keep warm. In a study of "scantily clad" exercisers, the participants burned 13 percent more calories in the cold than when they performed the same type of exercise at room temperature (450 compared to 400). But don't take the above to mean that you should dress in less to increase calorie burn. It's important to dress appropriately to both protect your skin and to prevent hypothermia.

Keep reading to find out if breathing cold air increases calorie burn.