Even before the big snowstorm hit Pittsburgh last Friday I needed to figure out a way to get outside more in the winter. I was starting to get depressed and the weather was not helping. I am used to being on my bike for a few hours a day and I was starting to lose my mind. What could I do to beat these winter blues? Snowshoes…..I got a pair for Christmas and the timing could not have been better.
I bought mine at REI for around $150 dollars. At first I thought it was a ton of money but they will last me at least 5 years. It is very awkward the first few times you go. I have fallen almost every time but I laugh the entire way down. You have to get used to these big shoes on your feet. Keep in mind that I do not fall because snowshoeing is hard, its very easy and anyone can do it. I fall because I am not paying attention or switching songs on my ipod. You would be surprised how much fun it really is and how easy it is to do.
Not sure how to pick a pair on snowshoes? Here are a few tips. Snowshoes come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes depending on the conditions you will be experiencing. The most important factor is the “float,” the snowshoes you are considering provide. The float is what keeps you from sinking down into the snow. Usually you can determine a snowshoes “float” based on the total pounds the shoes can carry. Don’t forget to calculate everything that you will be carrying on your back as well as how much you actually weigh. Once this has been determined, strap those puppies on and hit the snow.
Not only has snowshoeing made this winter so much better it has also allowed me to see some absolutely beautiful sights. I am thinking about purchasing another pair so my clients have no excuses for missing workouts when it snows!
