Exercising at the gym or going on a run is great, but if you’re anything like me, then you probably prefer a sport with a little more adventure than your stereotypical “working out.” There are tons of options: hiking, obstacle races, or rock climbing. But during the cold winter months, the top pick has to be skiing. [pullquote align=”center”]Aside from the extreme rush that flying down the hill brings, skiing also physically helps your body.[/pullquote]
West Chester is situated at a prime spot to experience all the winter sports the Pocono Mountains have to offer. With over six ski resorts located less than two hours from the university, half of which have fantastic beginner slopes, it’s no wonder that every weekend groups of West Chester students head out to the slopes for day and weekend trips.
Aside from the extreme rush that flying down the hill brings, skiing also physically helps your body. Harvard Medical School has reported that a skier who weighs 155 pounds will burn around 223 calories in just a half hour of downhill skiing. Skiing regularly also improves balance, strength, and flexibility.
The best part about skiing is that almost anyone can do it, regardless of age or athletic ability. The slopes are constantly filled with toddlers who are experiencing skiing for the first time, or 60-year-old grandparents who are still hooked on the excitement speeding down a mountainside brings.
Aside from all of this, the view from the top of the mountain is always breathtaking, the people are friendly, and having a glass of hot chocolate from the lodge after a day of exercising in the snow may be one of the best things about winter.
So, shake it up from your normal routine of running on the treadmill. Experience a sport that does much more than just gets you in shape, but allows you to have a fun and get outside. Get out and ski!
Colleen Goldhorn is a third-year student majoring in graphic design and minoring in art history and marketing. She can be reached at CG796546@wcupa.edu.