FitSugar

Too Snowy to Run Outside? Run in Snowshoes

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:00:00 -0800

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 -0800

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 -0800

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 read more

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.

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Picking Out Snowshoes

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 03:00:00 -0800

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 -0800

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.

Get Ready for Snowshoeing!

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 02:30:00 -0800

I know for many of you, Winter hasn't quite arrived, but flurries have been reported in parts of the US and reports of snow get me all excited for snowshoeing. If you love hiking in the Summer and Fall, you've got to try snowshoeing in the Winter. When there's snow on the ground, snowshoes make it much easier to tromp around without slipping. Most places that rent skis and snowboards also rent snowshoes for a fraction of the cost of downhill equipment.

Why do I love snowshoeing? It's easy to learn, inexpensive (compared to other winter sports), and it's just like walking, so there's little risk for injury. Plus, it's a great cardiovascular workout - snowshoeing for one hour burns over 1,000 calories.

So start thinking about strapping on some snowshoes. Whether you live in a place where it snows or are planning on traveling to a snowy place this Winter, you can rent snowshoes for about $9 a day, and poles for $3 (these are necessary if the trail is steep or icy). Snowshoeing is such a great Winter activity because you can do it anywhere you would walk or hike, and it's a great way to get out and enjoy the Winter wonderland.

Source

Get Physical: Snowshoe

FitSugar — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 03:30:00 -0800

Looking for an easy way to relieve holiday stress? Snowshoeing is one of my favorite things to do in the Winter because it's much cheaper than skiing or riding. It's also more fun to do with someone else, because since you're moving at a walking pace, you'll still be able to chat and laugh together. You can either rent a pair for about $10 a day, or buy your own (about $150), and wherever there is fluffy snow and room to walk, you can snowshoe.

If you're new to snowshoeing, stick to flat trails in the woods. If you are more athletic and want more of a workout, you can snowshoe up mountain trails that you normally hike in the Summer. Just be sure to bring a set of poles along to help you get up icy or steep terrain. Dress in warm layers so you can peel them off if you get hot, and be sure that your outer layer is water-resistant and wind proof. Pack some water and snacks and enjoy the peace and quiet of Winter.

Source

Get Physical: Find a Trail and Go Snowshoeing

FitSugar — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 07:00:00 -0800

Ok, so you and your honey decided to make a date to get out and enjoy winter this weekend. You're going snowshoeing. Cool. OK, so how do you figure out where to go?

You can ask your local gear store, the place where you bought or rented your snowshoes, or ask a trusted nature friend to point you in the right direction.

Maybe you're planning a day trip a few hours away and want to find some new trails. Check this out. Find a trail using this website from Tubbs.

You can also tell folks about trails you've enjoyed on the Tubbs site.

It's great that the snow has finally come. It actually feels like winter now. So get out of the house and get into the snow.

ACTivism: Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer

FitSugar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:15:00 -0800

If you're really into snowshoeing, check out the Tubbs 2008 Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer. It's a series of fund-raising events that involve snowshoeing walks, races, free demos and prizes. All the proceeds go to benefit the Susan G. Komen For the Cure foundation to raise money (and awareness) for breast cancer research, education, and treatment.

Want to see if there's an event near you? Then read more

All these events include a 3K Snowshoe Fun Race and a choice of a 3K or 5K Benefit Walk. You can raise money as an individual or a team, and prizes will be awarded for the top three overall individual fund raisers and the top team. Preregister for $25 before the event or $30 on the event day.

January 26: Mountain Creek, NJ

February 2: Parley’s Canyon, Salt Lake City, Utah

February 9: Stratton Mountain, Vermont

February 23: Mount Hood, Oregon

March 8: Frisco, Colorado

Into Cross Country Skiing? Bring the Kids Along

FitSugar — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:30:00 -0800

It's great when you can get your kids involved in Winter exercise, but let's face it - they won't have the energy to go out for a long excursion. If that's the case, or if they're just too young to wear skis or snowshoes, you can tow them along behind you.

Check out the Chariot XC Skiing Child Transport System (CTS) Kit ($210). It's a set of Rossignol skis with two adjustable aluminum tow bars and a waistbelt for you to wear. Simply attach this kit to either a Cheetah ($399) or a Cougar ($530) Chariot stroller. Then you can cross-country ski or snowshoe and pull up to two children behind. You'll feel good knowing they're safe, warm, and protected from wind and snow. Plus since you're pulling the extra weight, you'll get even more of a workout. Too bad they're so expensive, but still such a great way to get out in the snow.