Not only is snowboarding fun, it works several parts of your body at once, especially the lower and middle parts. By the time you do a few runs on the slope, you will probably have already gotten the recommended amount of physical activity needed for the day. Snowboarding became a popular winter activity in the mid-eighties. Because it was so big amid teenaged boys, it acquired a “bad boy” image that remains today.
However, despite its rebel reputation, popularity of the sport has spread amongst people of all ages. In fact, snowboarding is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. And women, especially, have hit the slopes in high numbers. Now that women are avid snowboarders, the snowboarding community has a lot to offer them. It wasn’t always that way, however. Until recently, it was difficult for women to find boards, boots or apparel especially made for their body.
When purchasing a snowboard, the difference between those for men and women is that, the woman’s board should be narrower in width. These days, manufacturers do consider this. The width of the board depends on the size of your feet. It is important that your toes and heels come as close to the edges of the board as possible without hanging off so that you can apply power to the edges and maneuver your way down the slope. Most women would probably use a board that is no more than 250 millimeters in width.
The other two parts of the board to consider are its length and flex. A good snowboard length depends on your height. Women are often in need of a shorter board than men. The board’s flex—how easily the board bends—depends on how much you weigh. Women should use a board with a soft flex, which bends more easily. The fit and comfort of your boot are extremely important. In addition to needing a narrower board, most women also need a boot that fits their narrower feet. Before snowboarding became as popular as it is today with women, the boots women wore were much wider because they were made to fit a man’s foot. Other apparel, such as coats, snowsuits and goggles, are now made to fit women well and flatter their bodies, as well as help them provide the utmost performance on the slopes.
Like every physical activity, it is important to warm up your body. Start by walking briskly for a few minutes and then follow by stretching your muscles. Because snowboarding requires the work of your legs, you should stretch your hips, hamstrings, quad, and calf muscles. You should stretch your abs as well. You should also do these stretches at the end of your snowboarding run; otherwise, your muscles will become sure. Now you are ready to snowboard. So grab your snowboard and it the slopes. Not only will you burn calories, and strengthen your body, you will also have a day of fun!