Skiing is an adrenaline-pumping, full-body workout that is a lot of fun! It’s no surprise that it’s growing in popularity as more and more people head outdoors for fresh air and a good time with family and friends. The cherry on the top? This winter sport boasts a wide range of health benefits that include:
- Enhanced core and lower body strength
- Weight loss
- Better balance
- Stronger joints
- Mental health boost
To make the most of these health benefits—and have a great time—take some time to strengthen and prepare your body before you hit the white stuff. So, let’s take a closer look at how you can do that.
Exercises to Get Fit for Skiing
Skiing is a game of flexibility, strength, and endurance. It also uses a mix of almost unusual body movements that place stress on different parts of your body, especially when compared to walking or running.
To get in shape before you hit the slopes, add the following exercises into your regular fitness routine two to three months before you go (but any training is better than none).
- Stretch—Incorporate a variety of stretches into your usual warm-up routine to enhance your flexibility and balance. Pay extra attention to your hips and quads. Try yoga or pilates as a way to boost flexibility.
- Cardio—Any exercise that elevates your heart rate and gets your lungs working builds stamina. Running and cycling are great options. Remember to start slowly and increase the intensity and duration as you progress.
- Strength Training (Core and Lower Body)—The key muscle groups to target are your core, quads, hamstrings, and glutes. Squats, lunges, sideways jumps, and step-ups work your legs. Planks (normal and side), sit-ups, and burpees work your core. Together, these exercises build strength, balance, and power using your body weight.
3 Advantages of Getting Fit to Ski
You may be wondering why you should focus on fitness before your skiing adventure; after all, you’ll get plenty of opportunities to exercise when you get there, right? It turns out your fitness has a direct impact on the entire skiing experience.
Here are three benefits of fitness before you ski. It helps to:
1. Prevent Injury
Nothing cuts a skiing adventure short like an injury—and are the most common. Getting fit before you ski results in stronger joints and enhanced balance and flexibility— and if you do hurt yourself, being fit will reduce the severity of the injury. Many skiing injuries are also the result of fatigue, which can lead to poor form on the slopes.
2. Minimise Recovery Time
If your fitness level is low, the intensity of skiing is going to hit you hard. To avoid feeling like you’ve fallen down the slopes—instead of gliding down them gracefully—get fit before you go. You will recover faster between your sessions and feel much better, too!
Note: You should still expect some discomfort—even the professionals do!
3. Boost Performance
This is a fun one. If you get fit before you ski, you will be better at it! Stronger muscles equals more power. You’ll be able to spend more time on the slopes, gain more experience, and grow in confidence. It’s worth the investment of time and energy before you go.
Overcome Obstacles to Achieve Your Fitness Goals
Enjoy the ski season without your body holding you back. It won’t only enhance the overall experience but also feel better, too.
Are you currently combating a ski injury? If you’re experiencing pain, don’t hesitate to contact Turramurra Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy. We can help you create a fitness plan to prepare you for the skiing trip of a lifetime!
