Skiing is good for you!

If you’re stuck in an exercise rut and either not enjoying what you do, or failing to find the enthusiasm for exercising at all – then it’s time to try something different.

Are you looking for all body cardiovascular workout that’s also great fun and sociable? Have you thought about skiing?

Anyone who has spent a week or two mastering the art of sliding down a mountain will appreciate just how much it works your inner and outer thighs, hamstring and buttock muscles. But, it does much more too. As you balance your body on the slope it will help to strengthen your core stability, working your stomach muscles and improving your overall coordination. Control your speed and direction with your poles and you’ll be using your biceps and triceps, flexing the muscles in your back as you turn. Even the cold environment is a bonus as your body burns calories to keep you warm.

Whether you’re an experienced skier or a complete beginner an hour on the piste will provide a fantastic all body fitness session.

And the good news is that you don’t have to travel too far to get the benefits – or restrict it to a once a year holiday. The Snow Centre at Hemel Hempstead offers perfect skiing, and snowboarding, conditions year round with fresh snow every day of the year – with the advantage of being close to the M25 and the M1, easily accessible by public transport and the closest real snow to the centre of London.

You can book single lessons with a private instructor, take part in a group lesson with other adults of similar standard or book a series of beginner lessons to achieve a ‘mountain ready’ standard that will allow you to enjoy recreational skiing on their 160 metre slope whenever you choose. There are even regular ‘ladies only’ sessions.

Dame Kelly Holmes was recently spotted on the slopes at the Snow Centre preparing for a break in the mountains. She described skiing as ‘much more technical than running’, adding ‘I have had a fantastic time learning a new sport and having never been to an indoor snow centre before I found it a great experience. It's definitely well worth doing - I would highly recommend it.’

Lessons at The Snow Centre start at £46 for an adult, or book a recreational session on the slopes from just £22. To book visit thesnowcentre.com.