Women Seeking Options for Weight Loss - All sizes and shapes find snowshoeing their winter sport of choice womens participation grows 17%

As experts continue to promote exercise as a critical part of any successful weight reduction regime, snowshoeing is fast becoming a winter favorite primarily due to its calorie-burning efficiency. The Outdoor Industry of America reported participation for womens snowshoeing grew 17% during 2003 and has grown over 300% since 1998. Approximately 680 calories can be burned during a moderate level workout for a 150-pound person. This compared to hiking with 340 calories or downhill skiing with 408, makes it an efficient fat-burning solution. (Source: University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse).

October 1, 2004 - As experts continue to promote exercise as a critical part of any successful weight reduction regime, snowshoeing is fast becoming a winter favorite primarily due to its calorie-burning efficiency. The Outdoor Industry of America reported participation for womens snowshoeing grew 17% during 2003 and has grown over 300% since 1998. Approximately 680 calories can be burned during a moderate level workout for a 150-pound person. This compared to hiking with 340 calories or downhill skiing with 408, makes it an efficient fat-burning solution. (Source: University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse).

According to the American Obesity Association, for women, ages 20 to 74, 62 percent are overweight and about half of that population is obese. In a recent Gallup Organization survey conducted for The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), female ob-gyns cite obesity as the leading health problem confronting women today. Although the statistics are alarming, we believe snowshoeing offers a winter fitness solution. stated Karen Righthand, Director of Marketing for Atlas Snow-Shoe Company, a leading manufacturer of snowshoes. Not only is snowshoeing a great workout, it is also fun and something you can enjoy with other women a key to staying committed to any exercise regime.

In addition to weight loss, more and more women are turning to snowshoeing as their winter sport of choice because of its strength building and weight bearing affects, especially pregnant and post-menopausal women who seek exercise for precisely this reason.

Through snowshoeing, I acquired more strength and physical endurance, dropping four dress sizes in the process. But even more importantly, it helped me increase my self-confidence, develop a deeper awareness of nature and an enjoyment of racing and fitness, exclaimed Colleen Anderson, a self-proclaimed snowshoeing missionary. I find myself sharing my newfound passion with just about anyone who will listen, Im that hooked.

ABOUT ATLAS SNOW-SHOE COMPANY:
Atlas Snow-Shoe Company, based in San Francisco, California, brought snowshoeing into the modern age by developing the Spring-Loaded binding, the first snowshoe innovation in more than 40 years. With over 15 patents, Atlas continues its quest to design superior snowshoe products engineered for the mountain. It has been the recipient of the prestigious American Alpine Institutes Guides Choice Award since 1996. Atlas products are available nationwide and in select countries around the world at general sporting goods, specialty outdoor and snow sport retailers The Atlas Snow-Shoe Company brand is one of a growing array of leading, premier sporting good brands owned by K2, Inc. (NSYE: KTO).

For more information about Atlas Elektra snowshoes for women, womens programming, or other snowshoeing fitness tips, visit www.atlassnowshoe.com.


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