Have you been using an elliptical machine and ever thought how they developed it? One of the major influences on the designers of the first elliptical machines was the Nordic sport of cross country skiing. The great element that the designers took from cross country skiing is the continuous non-impact movement of the skiers. The first elliptical machines actually were just lower body, but after people wanted a complete full body workout they added the hand bars that act in the same way as a cross country ski pole.

A person that is looking for a good workout in the winter should consider getting off the elliptical machine and getting on a pair of cross country skis. The sport isn’t as difficult to pick up as downhill skiing or snowboarding. It also doesn’t cost as much as the other sports that rely on the hill and gravity to provide you with the momentum to go. With cross country skiing all that is required are a pair of skis and a path to follow that is packed with snow. Really cross country skiing is a fun way of going hiking in the winter time. Sure you could get a pair of snow shoes, but gliding across the snow is much more efficient and rewarding. There are many areas in the winter time that you can only get to with either cross country skis or snow shoes. Yet, people don’t take advantage of these items to see wonderful landscapes and winter sites.

Cross country skiing is also a challenging workout, which like an elliptical machine, isn’t as strenuous as running or riding a bike. During the summer a great way to prepare for cross country skiing is to use an elliptical machine, and to increase the amount of time you spend on building the muscles in your legs. Powerful leg muscles will help to propel you across the snow in the winter. In addition the less you weigh the easier it will be to move across the snow.

Adding protein to your diet is a great way to help your body to create new lean muscle. Lean muscle is great for helping you to lose weight, and for you to get an edge when you are participating in sports like cross country skiing. It takes a lot of calories for your body to create and to maintain lean muscle; which means that when you have lean muscle even when you are idle you are still burning fat. Protein is the building block that your body uses to create lean muscle.

A person that is actively training should get at least half their body weight in grams of protein per day in their diet. That is difficult to do with conventional forms of protein, like meat and eggs. The best way to add protein is to use a whey protein supplement. Whey protein is easy on your body’s system, and won’t cause any major negative side effects, like indigestion. Whey protein is also easier for your body to metabolize and to use more efficiently. Meaning that you are able to get better results compared with using soy based proteins. When purchasing whey protein it is important to look for whey protein isolates. Whey protein isolates contain 90% pure protein and don’t have the fats and carbohydrates that other supplements contain.

If you are sick of looking at the same thing every time that you get onto the elliptical machine, then it is time for you to find a pair of cross country skis and to see what winter has to offer. It is a great workout, and you will find a hobby that will last the rest of your life.