Cross Country Skiing: A Great Fitness Exercise

I was in the Illinois National Guard for six years. Once every two years we would go to Camp McCoy, Wisconsin or to Little Falls, Minnesota for winter training. Besides learning to live outside in a cold environment, we were also given instructions in how to do Cross-Country Skiing.

This type of Skiing is a form of Nordic Skiing. It is a method of locomotion or travel that uses every major muscle in the body. The Skiing is sometimes combined with jumps and marksmanship for a Biathlon type of sporting event.

For many individuals though, it is just a simple form of transportation. Sometimes it is referred to as "bushwalking on skis." It actually had it's beginning in the early 19th century. However, it's origin can be found in early art that goes back to prehistoric times. Nordic armies use to use cross country skiing as way to have their military travel in snow packed terrain.

The skis are long and then, to help distribute weight to the skier and allow him to move quickly. They are two meters in length, 5 centimeters wide and about 1 to 4 centimeters thick. Skis are built for each individuals weight and height. Like Alpine Skiing, two poles are used. They are usually made out of aluminum or fiberglass. They have a spike fixed at the end of them with a basket or circular or disc around it.

The poles along with the legs being lift provide the propulsion that is needed to move an individual along. The poles also help provide for balance of the individual as they move about.

There are three different types of bindings and boots for the skis. The older style three pin cable bindings are used by telemarketing enthusiasts or backpacking individuals. The Salomon Nordic System provides for a toe hold in the binding. This helps give a bit more stability to the skier. The last type is the Pilot. It is similar to the Salomon Nordic system. both of these are used for backpacking as well. These three different from the down hill type of skis bindings that are used. They are more geared towards stability with the skis.