I need suggestions for a winter outdoor sport...

[Ladyhawk]

...that will not hurt the herniated discs in my neck and the possible herniated disc in my lower back. I am interested in something that will get me out into nature.

Downhill skiing is out. There's too much of a chance of injury.

(Currently, I'm alternating hiking and snorkeling.)

I've never done any cross-country skiing. Would that put a lot of strain on my back?

Other ideas most welcome. :D :D :D :D

[HysteryDiagnosis]

1. Hanging by your

lips from a frozen piece of metal?? Contest to be won by duration first... style second.... points for sanity optional.

[Ladyhawk]

8. I think I'd get sanity points for not trying this suggestion. :)

[HysteryDiagnosis]

15. No worse

than some of the stuff I've seen on that show where you bathe in worms and bugs and other things that go bump in the night. Actually... it would be easier.... depending on your collagen injection bills. :)

[medeak]

2. I like snow shoeing

better than cross country....can go uphill easily.

Or just go for a walk period.

[Kolesar]

3. Cross country skiing is great if you live in a small country

XC Skiing is a vigorous, high heart rate exercise. I love it, I do a lot of it. I don't really know how to answer whether it would affect your discs. I would advise you to do a regular abdominal conditioning program like crunches whether you were getting into sports or not.

[Ladyhawk]

6. I've been looking into an alternative to crunches.

I'm never supposed to sit straight up (although I sometimes break this rule). I'm supposed to roll onto my side and get up sideways, so crunches are out.

As the title of my post says, I'm looking for alternatives to crunches...something that will keep my neck out of the equation. I have a temporary membership at a health club my doctor got for me (great doctor!). I'll see what they have. So far they've only OK'd me for pool activities.

[hlthe2b]

13. Many good physical therapists are also trained in pilates...

and can teach you back-protecting ways to build up your "core"

Pilates was originally developed by Joseph Pilates while working to rehabilitate injured troops in WWI.

[hlthe2b]

4. Actually, I think cross country skiing would probably strengthen

your "core" (abdomen and surrounding musculature), along with arms and legs-- might be a good choice. You could get in shape for it on a nordic-track (usually available via the newspaper want ads). Snow-shoeing good choice as well.

On edit, it sounds like Spike tree in the post above is a very rigorous cross-country skier. My own experience is quite a bit slower. As with running, I'm a slow tortoise, but with endurance! Even slow going (more gliding than "propelling") does burn lots of calories, however.

[Ladyhawk]

9. I've used the Nordic track before...my mother has one.

How hard is it to master? I've never done any skiing and falls would definitely be bad for my spine.

[hlthe2b]

10. Not that hard "on the flat..."

Nordic track is basically long stride walking with arm swings. So if you can walk fast and swing your arms, the leg-arm paired motions are the same. Up hill or downhill x-country skiing take some skill and training. So, master the flats or on a x-country track first. There are plenty of places to ski that are essentially flat, though, (even in Colorado where I live) so no reason not to take it up if your doc approves.

[Redneck Socialist]

5. I'd go with snow shoeing

Much shorter learning curve than cross country. Not sure where you live but around me a lot of places rent snow shoes. That way you can try a few out and see if you like it. Maybe you could also check if any local hiking clubs in your area organize winter hikes. That is a great way to learn a bit and get some experience.

[Ladyhawk]

7. Thanks. I might try both.

I live in the Sierra foothills, so hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are all possibilities. Skiing might be too hard on my spine, especially if I do a lot of falling...will I do a lot of falling? Any hard jarring of my spine causes pain for several days. I learned this when I tried jumping into the swimming pool at the gym. :(

Snowshoeing would be good, too. I've already been doing a lot of hiking into and out of my favorite snorkeling locations at a lake. So far, swimming is the easiest on my spine and body. Due to medications, I cannot tolerate heat. (All hiking is done in the high country which is about 3000 feet higher and 10-15 degrees cooler than where I live.)

[hlthe2b]

12. Falls are always a possibility, whether hiking, snow-shoeing, x-country

so, as with downhill skiing, you probably want to learn how to fall, if a fall appears to be inevitable. (I've seen plenty of folks become clumsy when tired and essentially trip over their ski tips or snowshoes). But, again the better shape you are in, the more control and confidence you will have. Plus, a slow "controlled" fall on snow can be tolerated by most people, no matter their basic physical condition.

But, realize that even without the disc problem, you will have muscle aches and pain if you overdo, so pre-treat with ibuprofen, if you don't have contraindications to it. (check with your doc)

[medeak]

16. naw..

have never fallen snow shoeing and am a real clutz...can keep up with friends on cross country skis.

[Redneck Socialist]

17. I do a lot of falling on cross country skis

hence my preference for snow shoeing.

[hlthe2b]

11. Nordic track would still be good training for snow shoeing...

So, if you have access to one, I'd take it up.

[rucky]

14. Skimming

http://www.uswaternews.com/archives/arcpolicy/1comfav12.html

Commission favors banning snowmobiles on water
December 2001

U.S. Water News Online

HELENA -- Montana should join at least four other states in outlawing the practice of skimming snowmobiles at high speed over open water, the state Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission unanimously agreed recently.

The endorsement of a ``water-skipping'' ban is subject to at least a two-month period for public comment before the commission decides whether to adopt the prohibition permanently.

The action was taken with almost no discussion by the five commissioners and no statements from the public.

However, the vote was preceded by a videotape showing riders racing their snowmobiles over water. At one point, two sleds slammed into each other as they were unable to turn sharp enough to avoid the collision.

[VoteDemocratic2004]

18. What part of the country do you and your boyfriend live in?

It depends on the weather because if it gets too cold out you can't do anything but stay inside.