Ready to spend some quality time outdoors this winter?

If you normally hibernate from November through March it might be time to try something different. It's never too late to learn to snowshoe, cross-country or downhill ski and find out for yourself why so many people love winter.

If you normally hibernate from November through March it might be time to try something different. It's never too late to learn to snowshoe, cross-country or downhill ski and find out for yourself why so many people love winter.

Once your mind is made up to participate in winter activities you'll want to start preparing your body for the season ahead.

Snowshoeing and skiing require a combination of strength, balance, endurance, and flexibility. In other words, your body needs a well-rounded fitness program to enjoy the sport and avoid injuries.

Strength and balance go hand in hand. Maintaining good balance relies on strong legs, hips, and lower back muscles. Strengthening your lower body will increase your control and help you avoid fatigue, which can lead to injuries. Abdominal exercises are important for added stability and back support.

Endurance will improve with cardiovascular conditioning. The best type of cardio program for skiing includes a combination of moderate intensity exercise with intervals of higher and lower exertion to mimic the variety of effort expended while skiing. Do a variety of cardiovascular exercises to engage as many different muscle groups as possible.

Flexibility will reduce the risk of muscle tension and increase your range of motion. Stretching also increases body awareness and the ability to recover quickly from a loss of balance.

Getting in good physical shape will help you get the most out of the winter months. It's important to be safe as well as have a good time. Make sure your equipment is in good condition, fits you properly and take a few lessons to avoid injuries.

As with any sport or exercise be sure you warm up properly, dress appropriately and have fun!

You're invited to join the Successful Living Book Club Thursday, October 21st at noon at The Summit. Bring a friend and your lunch and join the discussion of "A Lesson Before Dying" by Ernest J. Gaines.