A Few Great Health Benefits of Riding Snowmobiles

It’s not difficult to see the recreational value of snowmobiling, but did you know that it’s also good for you? Riding a snowmobile is one of the greatest thrills that there is, and it gives you a workout like no other. If you still require convincing to take the plunge and make a purchase, here are just a few of the great reasons why snowmobile riding is so good for your health!  To learn more, visit Cycle North Powersports in Prince George, British Columbia.

Physical Benefits

Who said that you can’t burn calories when you’re riding a snowmobile? The average person can burn about 238 calories per hour on a snowmobile, and often much more on a challenging ride. You also need a lot of core strength to maintain your balance and plenty of flexibility to steer and maneuver on the trails and through the mountains. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week to reduce the risk of heart attacks, stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes and chronic pain. 

Recreational Work

There’s a lot more to riding a snowmobile than simply hopping on and hitting the slopes. You have to load your snowmobile on and off the trailer, you have to dig it out of the snow, steer around obstacles and perform minor repairs such as changing the oil, drive belt or spark plugs. These activities aren’t necessarily calorie burners or strength training, but they require fine motor skills and a lot of dexterity to complete well. Performing many of these tasks can also improve your muscle memory and reaction times when you have to perform them again in the future.

Mental Health Benefits

We all know that riding a snowmobile makes us happy, and it can also help us combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). During the winter months, the days are much shorter and many of us can experience what’s commonly known as the “winter blues.” SAD is a form of depression that can affect people who generally have otherwise normal mental health throughout the rest of the year. When the days are shorter in the winter months it can adversely affect your circadian rhythms and suppress the release of melatonin, a natural antidepressant.

Exposure to sunlight also increases your body’s natural production of Vitamin D. Vitamin D  regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and improves your immune system function. It can also reduce your risk of developing bone abnormalities such as osteomalacia or osteoporosis.

For more information, and to see our current inventory of new and pre-owned snowmobiles for sale, visit Cycle North Powersports in Prince George, British Columbia.