It’s very hard to predict snow in the UK, which means we don’t yet know whether we’ll have a white Christmas . Still, those who have access to thick blankets of fluffy flakes, like those in parts of Scotland , might benefit from “snow shoeing” in it, said Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor . What is “snowshoeing”? “Snowshoeing” works more or less like you’d think it would. It “is simply walking on snow using snowshoes to give extra flotation and grip,” Alpine Exploratory shared. Snowshoes are frames, with spikes for added grip, that you can strap onto your walking boots to prevent sinking into deep snow. Historians have found wooden versions of the design dating back to 3,800 BC . And, like with “Nordic walking” , you’ll also have some poles to hold onto to propel you along. If you’re taking an unexplored or difficult path, Alpine Exploratory recommends using a guide. What are the health benefits of “snowshoeing”? “Snowshoeing can offer some advantages over normal walking, largely because of the environment and the physical demands involved,” Dr Wylie told HuffPost UK. “Walking on snowshoes requires greater effort due to the resistance of snow and the added weight on the feet, which can increase cardiovascular workload and energy expenditure compared with walking on flat, firm ground. “This can help improve aerobic fitness and engage a wider range of muscle groups, particularly in the legs and core, while still remaining relatively low impact on the joints.” And, she explained, the method reduces the likelihood of hurting yourself on othwerwise trickty terrain. “The wider base of the snowshoe can also reduce the risk of slipping compared with walking on icy ground in standard footwear, although good technique and suitable terrain are important to minimise falls”. Like other forms of walking , the GP added, snowshoeing “supports heart health, helps with weight management, and can improve blood sugar control”. “Snowshoeing” might benefit our mood, too All exercise can help to boost our mood , and some research suggests that mountain walking might make us happier than strolling on a treadmill. So perhaps it’s no wonder Dr Wylie said that snowshoeing “has the added benefit of being an outdoor activity often done in natural, scenic settings.” She continued, “Exposure to daylight and nature is associated with improved mood, reduced stress, and better mental wellbeing, which can be particularly valuable during winter months when people are more prone to low mood. “As with any exercise, it should be approached sensibly, taking into account individual fitness levels and medical conditions, but for many, snowshoeing can be an enjoyable and effective way to stay active both physically and mentally.” BRB – looking for the snowiest spot I can... Related... I Tried 'Retro Walking', And My Knees Have Never Felt Better I Asked A GP If 'Nordic Walking' Is Better Than 10,000 Steps Walking Boots Letting In Water? These 3 Mistakes May Be Why