: Ski Fitness for Recreational Skiers by: Jim Safianuk Imagine yourself cruising down a groomed run carving elegant turns with your new shaped skis. In the distance you see two symbols, a blue square for a left turn and

@JimSafianuk

Posted in: #Recreation-And-Sports #Skiing #Ski #Stretching #Expert #Stretches #Ski-Stretches #Muscles #Exercises #Level #Fit

Ski Fitness for Recreational Skiers

by: Jim Safianuk


Imagine yourself cruising down a groomed run carving elegant turns with your new shaped skis. In the distance you see two symbols, a blue square for a left turn and a black diamond for a right turn. Without hesitation you steer to the right. The pitch becomes steeper, the snow is un-groomed, and there are trees, lots of trees. You stop momentarily, pick a line, push off, and tighten your turns as you begin the descent.
Getting in Shape
Many skiers would have taken the left fork with the gentle groomed slope. Some skiers reach a plateau in their ability and find it difficult to advance to the next level. This doesn't have to be. The keys to unlocking your true potential lie in your mind and body. When you are mentally prepared and physically fit, the goal of becoming an expert skier can be realized.
Developing a Fitness Routine
Expert level skiing is more demanding on the knees, thighs, hips, abdomen, and back so preseason preparation is the norm. In short, you need the correct ski fitness routine to handle the rigors of expert skiing.
Your ski fitness routine should include:

Ski stretches to improve your flexibility and mobility
Ski exercises to build your leg and core strength and endurance
Jumping exercises to enhance your explosive power and side-to-side quickness

Stretching for Ski Fitness
Let's start off with ski-specific stretching and leave the exercises and cardiovascular for another article. Lesson #2 of Skills of the Expert Skier contains ten ski stretches that you can do at home or on the road. Stretching keeps your muscles flexible, prepares you for movement, and helps you to bridge the gap from inactivity to vigorous activity without undue strain.
When you stretch and exercise often, you will learn to enjoy movement. You will be preparing yourself for the rigors of skiing in the expert zones where the ability to move quickly and easily is of prime importance.
First, we'll get into the why and when you need to stretch, before moving on to the basics of good stretching.
Why do ski stretches?
Stretching on a regular basis will make your skiing a lot easier by:

Reducing muscle tension
Relaxing your body prior to skiing
Signaling your muscles that they are about to be used
Increasing your range of motion during skiing
Improving the ease and freedom of movement
Enhancing the quickness of your ski turns
Preventing injuries such as muscle strains and pulls

In addition, ski-specific exercising requires you to have a good command of ski stretches before you start doing the exercises. The reason for this is that some of the exercises will simulate actual expert level ski movements so you need to have your muscles relaxed, loose, and flexible, just as if you were beginning a day on the slopes.
Stretching before Skiing
Stretching can be done any time you feel like it. However, in the context of downhill skiing and the training course, I recommend you do ski stretches:

At home, before you start the ski-specific exercises
At the chalet, motel, or inn where you are staying, just before leaving for the ski hill
At the ski resort, before your first run of the day, with your boots on and skis off

Stretching after Skiing
Strenuous activities like downhill skiing, especially at the expert level, promote tightness and inflexibility in the muscle groups. Therefore, stretching before and after any physical activity will keep you flexible and help prevent common injuries.
I know it's difficult to stretch after a long day of skiing. I have trouble doing this myself. On the last run when someone shouts out, "It's Miller time", your mind is more focused on that tall, cool one then on doing any more physical exertion. Besides, you've worked hard all day and deserve a break. I agree!
As a compromise, I would recommend that you do standing, ski stretches at the base of the hill after your last run, with your skis off. You can get way with just these stretches after skiing on smaller hills with less demanding terrain, and especially if you are not going to be skiing the next day.
However, if you are skiing in the mountains for six or seven days in a row, I strongly suggest that you do a complete set of ski stretches when you get back to the place where you're staying. After stretching, hit the hot tub. After the hot tub, go for a one to two mile walk. Don't use the elevator, take the stairs. The idea is to keep moving so your muscles won't become tight and stiffen up on you.
Trust me, I've seen a lot of people disappear on week skiing trips simply because their muscles became stiff and sore, or worse, they got injured from pulled or torn muscles. Skiing at an expert level requires you to be agile at all times with the freedom to move quickly and easily without any pain or stiffness. Stretching is an essential that you need to learn and put to practice on a regular basis.

best stocks under 100 TBR jar read books Money systematic investment planning cheers

Vote Up Vote Down

0 Reactions   React

Replies (0) Report

Login to post a comment!