Did you know the average holiday dinner with turkey, stuffing and all the fixings can carry a load of 3,000 calories? Oh, and don’t forget appies and drinks, which together can add up to another 1,500 calories when consumed merrily with family and friends by the fire.
So what to do with your newly acquired holiday tummy? Well you could go shovel the driveway for 10 hours, provided enough snow falls to keep you busy for that long – a 150-pound person is said to burn 413 calories an hour, so that should do the trick. Or, for a little more fun, take the kids out for a snowball fight, burning 320 calories an hour – but even the little ones might get bored before long.
Looking for something more effective? Go Nordic for the holidays! Cross-country skiing is a full-body workout and even recreational skiers who are just gliding along the trails burn around 500 calories an hour. Athletes reach up to 1,000! On cross-country skis, you will get your heart rate going and basically every major muscle group is involved, which uses up lots of energy (calories). Unlike running or cycling, cross-country skiing strengthens both lower and upper body, core and back muscles, and it is a low-impact and low-risk sport. And what can be better after the stressful holiday celebrations than peacefully gliding through a winter wonderland?
Nordic venues in our area offer lots of activities for the whole family, not only skiing, but also snowshoeing and tobogganing – activities that everyone can participate in, from toddler to senior. That way you can spend a full, active day out in the snow – and you’ll have no need to feel guilty about the hot chocolate after.
Volunteers needed at Whistler Olympic Park
Want to get involved in cross-country skiing and contribute to your Nordic community? Whistler Olympic Park, a not-for-profit community legacy, is looking for volunteers who like Nordic skiing, snowshoeing or just being out in the snow. Roles are available in numerous fields, including guest services, rental services, instruction assistance, sport and events, ski patrol and much more.
Whistler Olympic Park’s volunteers contribute to the successful seasonal operation of the venue and in appreciation offers a variety of volunteer benefits including a Ski Callaghan season pass, training and instructional opportunities, free ski lessons and free rentals, event access, pro deals, retail discounts and more. More information is available under “volunteer opportunities” at www.whistlersportlegacies.com or by email to dgunstone@whistlersportlegacies.com.
Editor's note: Nordic News, focusing on Nordic winter sports, is written by Silke Jeltsch of Whistler Sport Legacies.
