The recent prolonged cold weather seems to give people a reason to stay indoors, as the chilly outdoors no longer feels suitable for exercise. But industry insiders remind us that staying indoors for too long can lead to health issues, and skiing — an outdoor aerobic activity — can be a great option. Just be sure to master the correct techniques to stay warm, get fit, and avoid injury.
Cui Zheng, a young white-collar worker at an IT company in Beijing and a skiing enthusiast, fell in love with the sport three years ago, making it his top choice for winter outdoor activities.
However, skiing instructor Yin Rong warns that skiing is actually a high-risk activity. While there’s a saying that “it’s not falling that’s scary, it’s collisions,” falling the wrong way can also be very dangerous. Nowadays, most major ski resorts in Beijing are packed, but many of the visitors are first-timers. Because they’re bundled up, falls don’t hurt much, and their fearless “I’m not afraid to fall” attitude becomes a hidden risk for injuries. The secret to a “safe fall” is to shift your weight backward, and once you fall, don’t rush to get up. Instead, quickly remove your skis and boots and move away from the ski run to avoid being hit by others.
Yin Rong advises that during the learning process, you should not rush for quick results but instead focus on steady progress and choose a ski run that suits your skill level. Beginners often make the mistake of trying to advance too quickly, imitating expert skiers and attempting advanced slopes, which can easily lead to falls and injuries.
Yin Rong says that skiing, a seasonally popular sport, is actually a gift from nature. It’s a kind of “photosynthetic sport” — heading out to the snowy slopes, soaking up some sunshine, breathing fresh air, and feeling the rush of wind in your ears as you descend from above. All of this makes more and more people fall in love with the sport.