Preparing your body for a ski holiday
Preparing your body for a ski holiday
Prepare to hit the slopes with confidence and agility by exploring our comprehensive collection of ski exercises. Whether you're a seasoned skier or hitting the snow for the first time, our expertly curated routines will help you enhance your strength, flexibility, and endurance, ensuring you make the most of your skiing adventure. From essential stretches to targeted workouts, discover the key techniques to optimize your performance and maximise your enjoyment on the mountain. Let's get ready to ski like a pro!
For experienced skiers
Hitting the slopes this year? If it’s the first time in a while, you’ll probably be a little rusty, especially as you’ll need to use some unfamiliar muscles. So, how do you prepare for a skiing holiday and what are the best stretches to help avoid injuries when on the slopes?
Firstly there is no substitute for actually skiing. Throughout the UK there are many indoor and dry slopes where you can regain your ski legs, such as Snowzone in Milton Keynes and Snow Factor in Glasgow. For those of you who already know how to ski it would be an excellent idea to regain your ski legs before you get to the mountains. So that upon arrival you can head straight up the mountain.
For beginners skiers
For beginners, getting onto snow in one of the indoor areas prior to your trip can be the difference between a frustrating holiday and the start of a promising snow sports career. Taking a lesson or two at a snow dome will give you the knowledge and understanding you need to explore the beautiful alpine resorts to their full potential.
Skiing uses a unique set of muscles and it definitely pays to be prepared for this. Here are six exercises to boost your ski fitness for your holiday.
Get that cardio up
Jog, swim or run for cardio, whichever is your preference, work on your cardio before you go on your skiing holiday, so your fitness is up to scratch during your time on the slopes.
Strength and core exercises
To start, let's focus on leg lifts. This exercise is perfect for maintaining flexibility while you're away on holiday. Begin by lying flat on your back. Keeping your left leg as straight as possible, lift it upwards as high as you comfortably can, holding for a count of 15 before slowly lowering it back down. Repeat the same movement with your right leg, then alternate for a balanced workout.
Next up is the spider plank crunch. Adopt a plank position, supporting yourself on your hands (or elbows) and feet with your body forming a straight line. Bring your right knee towards your shoulder as close as possible, then return it to the starting position. Repeat the movement with your left knee. Aim for ten repetitions on each leg to engage your core and improve stability.
Finally, incorporate squats into your routine to strengthen your legs and prepare your knees for the demands of skiing. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and squat down, ensuring your back remains straight and your knees are positioned directly above your ankles. Aim to perform around 20 squats, or as many as feels comfortable, ensuring proper form throughout to maximise effectiveness.
The importance of flexibility and stretching
Let's begin with a classic stretch: touching your toes. While it's a simple move, you can enhance it by gently tucking your chin towards your chest before reaching down. Remember to proceed slowly and mindfully to avoid overexertion.
Next, we'll move on to the spine twist to promote flexibility in your back. Start by sitting on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Cross your right leg over your left, bringing your right knee towards your chest, with your right foot placed on the floor beside your left knee. Using your left arm, gently push against your raised right leg while twisting your upper body to the right. Hold this position for ten seconds before repeating the stretch on the opposite side with your left leg. This exercise aids in loosening up your spine and improving overall mobility.