WINTER FUN

Ready to Play? Build a Snowman!

by Mimi Wacholder

Photo: family.com

The chaos of the holiday season is over. Snow covers the ground and winter enthusiasts can get out to enjoy all of the splendor of winter in the Adirondacks from snowshoeing to skiing and countless other outdoor sports. There are, however, other options beyond sports for snowy winter fitness and fun.

The other evening after a hearty meal and with full stomachs, it was tempting to curl up by the wood-burning stove. But, it was snowing lightly and a clear beautiful night, so we motivated each other to throw on our boots, coats and gloves and go out for an evening stroll. Walking through the front yard on the wet snow, we concluded that the warmer temperatures had made for ideal snowman-making conditions. So each of us made a snowball and started rolling.

It took four of us – full-fledged adults at 11 p.m. on a Saturday night – all the strength we could find to stack the snowballs vertically. Unprepared for the impulsive project and lacking the traditional snowman dressings such as carrots, scarves and coal, we improvised with old ski goggles for the eyes and evergreen boughs for the hair. The first snowman was so fun and rewarding we continued, making seven in all! The next morning my body felt as if it had been on a long cross-country ski tour. I felt that dull, rewarding muscular ache in my abdominals, lower back, biceps and legs. Our snowman-making venture had been quite a workout and we had the crazy looking colony of 8-foot snowpeople in our front yard to show for it!

Photo: Mimi Wacholder A snowman colony in Lake Placid.

In case it has been too long to remember, here are some snowman-making tips to get you going:

Conditions: Consider building a snowman when temperatures have raised enough to increase the moisture content in the snow. If you can pack a tight snowball in your hands, you're ready to roll.

Technique: Start small. Make a snowball and begin rolling, packing fresh snow onto the ball as you go. Vary the direction as you continue to roll the ball so that the ball remains round. A traditional snowman has a base, center and head. Before stacking the snowballs, use your hands to level a flatter side on both the base snowball and the one that will rest on top. This way, the snowball is more likely to balance. After the snowball is balanced, you may secure it by packing around the seam with additional snow.

Décor: Go for it! Let your creativity run wild. Consider using items you may have in the yard or around the house. Old skis can be stuck under the base snowball and ski poles at its side; or build a snowman in a sled with another pulling the rope in its hand. Try a cowboy hat and old sunglasses, or make a summer style snowman in lounge chair under an umbrella … the options are endless.

Workout: According to personal trainer Steve Majorica, snowman-making can be a legitimate workout. "It is primarily a strength-training workout for the whole body. Pushing a large snowball targets core body strength as well as the triceps and quadriceps. Picking up the snowball targets lower back, abdominal, quadriceps and biceps," says Majorca. Of course, there are many variables such as the weight of the snow, the alacrity with which you work and how long you participate. This may not replace your other workouts, but it would make for a rewarding cross-training session.

Whether you are out playing with your kids or just acting like one, don't forget the fun and fitness of simply playing in the snow this winter!

Rasta snowman? Photo: Mimi Wacholder

Mimi Wacholder resides in Lake Placid, where she works as a freelance writer and marketing consultant with Juniper Promotions. She is a yoga instructor and enjoys hiking, climbing and skiing in the Adirondacks.

©2000-2003 Adirondack Sports & Fitness. All rights reserved.