We all know that après ski activities consist of sipping hot chocolate next to a roaring fire in a Navajo-print jacket, but what about avant (before)
ski? Skiing and snowboarding are physically demanding sports and
optimal conditions occur at high elevations (less oxygen) and in cold
temperatures, but it’s also fun and a great way to get your heart rate
up during those winter months. Whether you are a Blue Circle bunny or a
Double Black Diamond Slalom, uh, mogul, you may want to do some ‘pre-season training’ to prepare before you hit the slopes, focusing on these four areas:
Stamina. Optimize
your cardiovascular strength so you can schuss all day. Higher
elevations and cold weather put extra strain on your lungs, so do some
interval training on a treadmill or elliptical machine to challenge your
heart rate and improve your oxygen intake capacity. Begin with at least
3 days a week for a half hour and increase the time, frequency, and
intensity over time so you are in prime condition to conquer the
mountain.
Core. Core strength is
key for skiing. A tight, stable core allows you to control your
movements with more precision. Simple exercises such as bicycles on the
floor, back extensions, and full body roll ups or crunches on an
exercise ball will benefit your core and therefore your skiing
abilities.
Balance. All
Carvaholics know where to find their CM (that’s ski slang for Center of
Mass). Improve reaction time and agility by taking advantage of the
balance-training aids available at the health club or for the home, such
as a Bosu ball.
Begin by balancing on one foot and progress up to balancing on the Bosu
ball itself. Take it a step further and try squats and plyometric
drills on the Bosu ball.
Flexibility. Yoga not
only keeps you limber but improves your mental focus and breathing
techniques. Yoga can help protect against injury by addressing muscle
imbalances and improving flexibility, so try out a beginner-level class
and work your way up. The positive influences that yoga can have on your
skiing (and other athletic activities) may surprise you.
This Fit Tip was brought to you by Lifefitness
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