With temperatures on the decline and the holidays coming up, numerous people are turning their attention to ski vacations. For those who are taking upcoming vacations to the slopes, getting physically fit long before actually heading up and down the mountain is going to be essential so that injury risks can be minimized. To that end, give consideration to some of the advice included in a new report.
Your legs are going to be put through a lot of stress on your excursion, and therefore any fitness regimen will necessarily focus on strength in this region, combined with the type of cardio workout that can ensure you won’t be excessively winded.
Before you engage in any physical activity, make sure that you’re doing the right stretches, taking the time to work muscles in all sections of your leg rather than just one grouping. Warm up your body and improve muscle definition and strength by taking a light jog and doing jumping jacks. This will help prepare the muscles in your lower legs for the awkward weight of the skis and the forces of the downhill movements.
Resistance bands are a fantastic idea for those getting ready for a ski trip, because they usually require nothing more than something to attach to, and even then, your body can provide the anchor. Place such a band around your ankles and then pull in various directions with each foot. You should feel tension released as you do this, especially in the ankle itself, which may sometimes get neglected. This type of exercise improves your ability to avoid a strain should you plant the wrong way on the slope.
Lunges also provide an excellent way to get your legs into shape for the season, especially when you consider the extent to which you’re going to need to push off with your legs when dealing with skis. Squats help in this regard too, as they will contribute to a more focused ability to cope with the high tension environment you’ll find yourself in when moving through thick snow.
Because posture plays such a critical role in your ability to derive enjoyment from skiing, taking part in those exercises which stretch the back and strengthen the abdominal muscles is another sound idea. Use a planking exercise to get your body off the ground, and also indulge in some sit-ups to improve overall definition.
Finally, get yourself used to the exertion that you’ll be put through on the mountain, especially if you want to ski for numerous days on end. Riding a bike is a great way to get blood flowing, but if you want to learn how to deal with the snow, crosscountry skiing or wearing snowshoes may help your stamina.
About the author
